Siemens installs digital substation equipment for Gharo Solar in Pakistan

Siemens has completed the supply of equipment and services for a major substation that will help in supplying low-cost electricity to Karachi, Pakistan. Siemens completed the grid connection for Gharo Solar’s 50-megawatt solar plant in the Thatta district in Pakistan’s Sindh Province through a 132 kilovolt grid station. Clean energy from the plant will feed into K-Electric’s power grid. This was the first contract that Siemens has completed for a solar power plant in Pakistan.

The grid station is equipped with digital technology that enhances controllability and reliability, while optimising operating costs. Siemens supplied substation automation system as well as protection and control equipment.

As part of the project, the company provided a ring main unit for the 22-kV distribution network which will help protect, for example, inverter transformers connected to the grid against overloads and short-circuits, ensuring a reliable power supply.

Overall, the project is needed to supply power for ongoing infrastructure development, projects, schools, hospitals, industries in and around Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city. The project will help K-Electric bridge the shortfall in its power network that serves 15 million people in Karachi.

“We are proud to complete this major project that will help provide clean, reliable and efficient power supply to Pakistan’s most populous city,” said Mahmoud Hanafy, Senior Vice President, Transmission Solutions, Siemens Middle East.

“We are excited to have an opportunity to support Pakistan’s vision to diversify the country’s energy mix and push for more renewable energy generation. The new project exemplifies our solutions to enable a stronger, smarter and greener grid, providing access to electricity.”

Key takeaways

• Siemens completed the grid connection for Gharo Solar’s 50-megawatt solar plant through a 132 kilovolt grid station. Clean energy from the plant will feed into K-Electric’s power grid.
• The grid station is equipped with digital technology that enhances controllability and reliability, while optimising operating costs.
• The project will help K-Electric bridge the shortfall in its power network that serves 15 million people in Karachi.