KARACHI: K-Electric Ltd has implemented the black-start technology for the first time in its generation fleet at the Korangi Power Complex that generates 247 megawatts of electricity for Karachi, a press release said on Tuesday.

The technology allows power plants to go from the shutdown mode to generating power without any assistance from the external grid, making the utility self-sufficient in restoring electricity in the case of blackouts.

This is akin to having a standby generator to jump-start the main generation complex, which will then energise the company’s fleet and network, it added.

The technology has been incorporated by only a handful of power producers in Pakistan. This will allow K-Electric to reduce dependency on independent power producers (IPPs). Until now, K-Electric has ensured black-start facility for its consumers through its IPPs, namely Tapal and Gul Ahmed, the press release said.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2021