GE and Harbin Electricachieve major milestone for Bhikki gas project in Pakistan

GE and China-based Harbin Electric International Company have achieved a major milestone with the first fire of an advanced GE 9HA gas turbine, which was installed at the 1.1 GW Bhikki power plant in Punjab, Pakistan. The first fire is considered to be a critical test where the gas turbine is switched on and run on fuel at the site. The power plant will contribute to Pakistan’s efforts in meeting an estimated 5 GW energy shortfall. The project is expected to generate enough power for approximately 2.5 million households and will help the country meet its goal of providing electricity access to over 90 per cent of the population under Vision 2025. As per GE, 9HA is the first such gas turbine to be operationalised in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and South Asia region.