About Power Transmission Sector of Pakistan
An overhead transmission line is a traditional method of supplying electricity from one end to another. The line is suspended by means of towers and poles. This type of transmission method is a low-cost method for the transmission sector as compared to underground transmission. Therefore, large quantities of electric energy are being supplied using this method, where air plays an important role in providing most of the insulation to overhead power lines. Mostly two types of towers (lattice structure or tubular poles) are used to support the line. Commonly, aluminum-made (either plain or reinforced with steel or sometimes composite materials) bare wire conductors are used in the overhead line, but sometimes copper material is also used in the overhead line depending upon the voltage distribution, voltage connections, and customer premises.
PRODUCTION CONNECTIVITY
First-ever issuance of Special Purpose Transmission License from NEPRA and construction of
double circuit transmission line
Spread over a distance of about
Fatima Transmission Company Limited
Fatima Energy Limited, a Fatima Group company, set up a 120 MW bagasse and coal-based cogeneration power plant at Sanawan, Mahmood Kot, Tehsil Kot Addu, District Muzaffargarh, in the province of Punjab. There was a requirement to develop an interconnection between the FEL 120 MW power plant and the 220/132 kV New Muzaffargarh grid station to export power from FEL to the grid for onward dispatch to MEPCO.
Fatima Group, being a dynamic and progressive organization, immediately undertook this new challenge, which was the first of its kind in the Pakistan power sector. Previously, all transmission networks were constructed by government entities such as NTDC or DISCOs, and there was no expertise available in the private sector. A two-pronged strategy was adopted namely: A two prone strategy was adopted namely (i) to apply and seek permission for Special Purpose Transmission License from NEPRA and (ii) engage experienced external resources to develop effective design and construct required transmission line.
The challenging job was carried out, leading to the first-ever issuance of a Special Purpose Transmission License from NEPRA and the construction of a 132 kV double circuit transmission line spanning a distance of about 37 km. All design was approved by NTDC, and critical equipment was imported from abroad for reliable and quality transmission. The line was tested by an independent engineer from a reputable UK company, resulting in successful synchronization with the NTDC grid in 2016, connecting the 120 MW power plant as per targets.
Fatima Group, being a dynamic and progressive organization, immediately undertook this new challenge, which was the first of its kind in the Pakistan power sector. Previously, all transmission networks were constructed by government entities such as NTDC or DISCOs, and there was no expertise available in the private sector. A two-pronged strategy was adopted namely: A two prone strategy was adopted namely (i) to apply and seek permission for Special Purpose Transmission License from NEPRA and (ii) engage experienced external resources to develop effective design and construct required transmission line.
The challenging job was carried out, leading to the first-ever issuance of a Special Purpose Transmission License from NEPRA and the construction of a 132 kV double circuit transmission line spanning a distance of about 37 km. All design was approved by NTDC, and critical equipment was imported from abroad for reliable and quality transmission. The line was tested by an independent engineer from a reputable UK company, resulting in successful synchronization with the NTDC grid in 2016, connecting the 120 MW power plant as per targets.