NEPRA approves revised efficiency benchmarks for K-Electric’s 900MW Bin Qasim Power Station-III 

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved revised performance benchmarks for K-Electric’s 900MW Bin Qasim Power Station-III after independent testing of both units of the plant, Business Recorder reported. 

The order, issued on July 6, 2026, covers net capacity and net heat rate benchmarks for the combined cycle plant, which comprises two 450MW units operating mainly on RLNG, with high-speed diesel as backup fuel.

According to NEPRA, the performance tests were carried out by independent engineers to determine the plant’s net capacity and heat rate under standardised conditions.

The regulator said the exercise was required for tariff adjustments and efficiency validation.

NEPRA noted that the tests were conducted after substantial operating hours, which had led to performance degradation compared with the original engineering, procurement and construction guarantees.

The independent engineers said such degradation is typical in gas turbine-based combined cycle plants and should be considered in tariff determinations.

The regulator also observed that environmental conditions, fuel quality, grid stability and operational practices, including frequent start-stop cycles, affect plant efficiency and output.

It said variations in RLNG quality can directly impact both heat rate and power generation.

For RLNG-based operations, NEPRA approved Unit-1 net capacity at 453.40MW against K-Electric’s request of 449.808MW.

The net heat rate for Unit-1 was set at 6,384.46 Btu/kWh, compared with K-Electric’s requested 6,386.92 Btu/kWh.

For Unit-2 on RLNG, NEPRA approved net capacity of 454.92MW against K-Electric’s request of 449.808MW.

The net heat rate for Unit-2 was maintained at 6,388.13 Btu/kWh, in line with K-Electric’s submission.

For high-speed diesel-based operations, NEPRA approved Unit-1 net capacity at 359MW, compared with K-Electric’s requested 357.479MW.

The net heat rate for Unit-1 on high-speed diesel was set at 6,661.85 Btu/kWh against K-Electric’s request of 6,738.56 Btu/kWh.

For Unit-2 on high-speed diesel, NEPRA approved net capacity of 357.479MW, as requested by K-Electric.

The net heat rate for Unit-2 was determined at 6,681.86 Btu/kWh, compared with K-Electric’s requested 6,739.63 Btu/kWh.

NEPRA also approved the degradation factor at 1.000 at zero operating hours, and 1.00685 for net capacity and 0.9961 for net heat rate at 1,790 operating hours. 

BQPS-III is a key part of K-Electric’s generation fleet and was developed to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on expensive fuels.