GE Renewable Energy consortium wins major hydropower project with WAPDA
- May 28, 2020
- Posted by: Lyn Wilson
- Category: Tenders and Contracts, Asia
Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has announced that it has appointed a consortium of General Electric(GE) Renewable Energy and Powerchina Zhongnan Engineering Corporation Limited to supply six Francis turbines and generators for Stage 1 of the new Dasu hydropower plant in Pakistan.
The 2.2. Dasu hydropower project to be completed in two stages is part of the Vision 2025 Program launched by WAPDA in 2001 and also part of Power Policy 2013 of the government of Pakistan. The first stage involves the installation of a 2,160 MW hydropower plant on the Indus River with the possibility of being expanded to 4,320 MW in a second phase.
WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen Muzzammil Hussain said:
“The project is vital to add a major quantum of hydroelectricity to the national grid in order to minimize reliance on expensive thermal generation and lower the power tariff.”
The hydropower project is one of the most important power generation projects in Pakistan and is in alignment with the government’s long-term vision to bring renewable energy to remote areas.
When commissioned in 2026, it will help generate clean electricity and supply power to approximately 4million homes within the country.
GE Renewable Energy is a division of General Electric headquartered in Paris, France focusing on production of energy from renewable sources.
For this project, the company’s hydro business is responsible for the design, supply, supervision, installation, and commissioning of the six new 360 MW Francis turbines and generators, as well as the governors and control, and protection systems. GE Grid Solutions will provide the Generator Circuit Breaker.
President and CEO of the Hydro business of GE Renewable Energy, Pascal Radue said:
“We are proud to start this new collaboration with WAPDA and will support them to develop clean and sustainable electricity in Pakistan. We are also glad to be part of this new hydropower project that will facilitate access to electricity in remote areas.”