Litany of Problems Reduces Pakistan Power Plants to 60% Capacity

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Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--A USAID-funded study conducted as part of a project for the revival of the Pakistan power sector through repair and maintenance found that three thermal power stations at Jamshoro, Guddu and Muzaffargarh are producing 1,882 megawatts (MW) of power, although their combined design capacity is 3,005 MW. This shortfall has been caused by a lack of maintenance, adulterated fuel and poor housekeeping.

The power plants are managed by the Pakistan Electric Supply Company, and the study was conducted for USAID by Hagler Bailley Pakistan.The study provided a baseline evaluation and set a benchmark for determining the efficiency gains and operational improvements of the three units.

The furnace oil used to fire the plants has a low calorific value, leading to lower thermal efficiency when compared to standardized furnace oil. The quality audit reported that there was water and ash mixed in the furnace oil, and the tested oil showed high specific gravity values due to the higher water content.

In the litany of problems listed, the report notes that delays in maintenance have degraded the working capacity and increased heat emission at all three power stations. Delays in payments to the plants against power sales have resulted in a delay in the procurement of parts and services needed for major overhauls. Simple housekeeping was neglected, causing steam and heat loss, and raised the water purification cost due to the excessive use of chemicals. Environmental conservation and protection did not register with management.

The measurement of fuel supplied and energy generated was inadequate, said the report.

Average capacity degradation at the three power stations was approximately 40%, but in some cases could drop a further 40%. The average availability was about 60% of capacity.

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