KE Secures NEPRA Approval for Revised Bin Qasim Power Station-III Benchmarks

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved revised performance benchmarks, including net capacity and net heat rates, for K-Electric's 900MW Bin Qasim Power Station-III (BQPS-III) following an independent performance evaluation of the plant's two combined-cycle generating units.

 

The order, issued on July 6, 2026, covers the 900MW facility, which consists of two 450MW units operating primarily on re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG), with high-speed diesel (HSD) serving as a backup fuel.

 

According to NEPRA, the independent performance tests were conducted to determine the plant's actual net capacity and heat rate under standardized operating conditions for tariff determination and efficiency assessment. The regulator noted that testing was carried out after significant operating hours, resulting in expected performance degradation compared with the original engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) guarantees.

 

The authority observed that factors such as environmental conditions, RLNG quality, grid stability, and frequent start-stop operations have a measurable impact on plant efficiency and electricity output. It added that verified performance metrics will serve as the basis for future tariff adjustments, with fuel cost components reflecting approved heat rates.

 

For RLNG operations, NEPRA approved a net capacity of 453.40MW for Unit-1 and 454.92MW for Unit-2. The corresponding net heat rates were approved at 6,384.46 Btu/kWh and 6,388.13 Btu/kWh, respectively. For HSD operations, the regulator approved net capacities of 359MW for Unit-1 and 357.479MW for Unit-2, with net heat rates of 6,661.85 Btu/kWh and 6,681.86 Btu/kWh.

 

The regulator also approved the degradation factors, part-load adjustment curves, and the exclusion of 1,404 operating hours for Unit-1's degradation calculations, based on recommendations from the Independent Engineer (OMS) and Owner's Engineer (NESPAK).

 

NEPRA has forwarded the decision to the federal government for notification in the official Gazette, as required under the NEPRA Act.

 

Bin Qasim Power Station-III is a key part of K-Electric's generation portfolio, designed to improve efficiency and reduce dependence on higher-cost fuels. The revised benchmarks are expected to influence future tariff determinations and operational performance standards across the power sector.