KARACHI: The K-Electric Limited (KEL) has successfully implemented a ‘Black Start’ capability for the first time in its generation fleet at the Korangi Power Complex (KPC), a statement said.
The KPC is responsible for generating 247 MW of electricity for Karachi.
The ‘Black start’ technology allows power plants to go from shutdown mode to generating power without any assistance from the external power grid, making the utility self-sufficient in restoring power in the case of blackouts.
The Black Start facility has been incorporated by only a handful of power producers in Pakistan and now KE has also incorporated this facility in its own generation fleet.
The Black Start Project kick-started in April 2021 with a focus on enhancing the resilience and stability of the grid. This will allow KE to reduce dependency on independent power producers (IPPs) as earlier KE has ensured black-start facility for its consumers through an arrangement with IPPs namely Tapal and Gul Ahmed.
KE is also equipped with an islanding facility at KPC as well as its BQPS-II to ensure quick power restoration in case of blackouts.
Before proceeding for black start project, KE commissioned all machines of KPC on high-speed diesel (HSD). The HSD project which began in October 2020 was completed before the summer of 2021, in which the successful operations of this power plant were experienced on dual fuel and uninterrupted power supply from the plant as KE was able to mitigate gas constraints.
KE’s Generation Team successfully tested the power plant on October 28 and 29, 2021 under varying operational scenarios and fuel selection.

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