ISLAMABAD (DI NEWS) : In a powerful testament to operational excellence and commitment to national energy reliability, the Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant, operated by Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Energy Pvt. Limited, has successfully completed its annual capacity test (ACT), achieving an output that exceeded its allocated capacity. The plant demonstrated remarkable technical performance by generating 1252.03 MW—well above the assigned benchmark of 1243.517 MW—during a rigorous six-hour continuous full-load test conducted this week.
Focal person sahiwal coal power plant
This milestone underscores the plant’s position as one of Pakistan’s most efficient and dependable energy assets. Since its commissioning for commercial operation on October 28, 2017, the Sahiwal Power Plant has consistently delivered reliable and stable power to the national grid. This year’s ACT has further solidified its status, reflecting a high level of preparedness, technical proficiency, and a proactive approach to grid responsibility by Huaneng Shandong Ruyi.
The annual capacity test, a critical benchmark for verifying a power plant’s ability to deliver its declared capacity to the grid, was conducted under the close supervision of representatives from Pakistan’s key power sector institutions. Among those overseeing the test were officials from the Central Power Purchasing Agency – Guaranteed (CPPA-G), the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO), and the National Grid Company (NGC). Their presence ensured transparency, reliability, and alignment with national standards and regulations.
CPPA-G’s monitoring team included Deputy Manager Bilal Khalid and Assistant Manager Arslan Ahmed, who ensured the entire process adhered to the guidelines set by the purchasing authority. Representing ISMO were Deputy Manager Mubasher Hussain and Assistant Manager Rizwan Rahman, both of whom provided technical oversight and real-time evaluation of the plant’s synchronization and grid compatibility. Officials from the National Grid Company, including Tariq Mehmood Bhatti, Additional Manager at the 220kV Kasowal Grid Station, and Muhammad Hashim Bhatti, Deputy Manager (Protection & Instrumentation) at the 500kV Yousafwala Grid Station, were also present, along with other key technical personnel from both Kasowal and Yousafwala stations.
The high level of representation from CPPA-G, ISMO, and NGC reflected the importance of the test not only for the plant itself but for Pakistan’s broader energy security. These regulatory and operational bodies, tasked with ensuring continuous and balanced supply throughout the country, praised the outcome and commended the plant’s flawless execution during the full-load test.
The management of Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Energy Pvt. Limited was represented by its senior leadership, including the Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, and the Directors of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) and Operations departments. Their presence at the site during the test symbolized the strategic importance placed on continuous performance monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and operational transparency. According to the Vice President of the company, this achievement reflects not only the technical competence of the plant team but also their unwavering dedication to Pakistan’s power infrastructure. “This achievement not only underscores the technical capabilities of our team but also highlights our commitment to providing stable and reliable power to the national grid,” he remarked.
Officials from ISMO and NGC expressed particular satisfaction with the plant’s ability to provide both active and reactive power in a controlled and efficient manner, which is essential for voltage regulation and frequency control in the grid system. Their statements emphasized how crucial Sahiwal Power Plant’s operational reliability is in helping Pakistan navigate seasonal demand fluctuations and grid stability challenges—especially during high-load periods such as summer and monsoon seasons.
The Yousafwala and Kasowal grid teams also acknowledged the seamless coordination and synchronization of the plant with their systems. They noted the plant’s direct positive impact on regional grid health, adding that the improved reactive power capability observed during the test contributes significantly to reducing transmission stress and enhancing frequency control measures. These factors are vital in ensuring uninterrupted power delivery across residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors.
With over 7 years of successful commercial operations, the Sahiwal Power Plant remains a shining example of China-Pakistan collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) umbrella. Huaneng Shandong Ruyi has continued to meet and exceed expectations through its ongoing commitment to reliability, safety, and environmental responsibility. The results of the ACT are particularly significant in an era when Pakistan’s grid system is undergoing reforms to accommodate shifting generation mixes and increasing reliance on both base-load and renewable energy sources.
The plant’s performance during the ACT also demonstrates its readiness to adapt and align with national grid demands, ensuring that it can support Pakistan’s future energy landscape while continuing to meet current capacity needs. Huaneng Shandong Ruyi’s management reiterated its dedication to investing in technical training, system upgrades, and digital monitoring systems that further enhance reliability, efficiency, and compliance with national power sector regulations.
The successful completion of the capacity test was not just a regulatory formality—it was a vivid illustration of teamwork, technical excellence, and a shared vision for Pakistan’s energy future. It reinforced the critical role played by Sahiwal Power Plant in maintaining a stable and sustainable electricity supply. From CPPA-G and ISMO to the grid station teams and the plant operators, the coordinated effort and mutual accountability demonstrated during the ACT stand as a model for others in the industry.
As Pakistan continues to strengthen its power infrastructure to support economic growth, the role of high-performing plants like Sahiwal becomes even more vital. Through strategic oversight, skilled manpower, and consistent performance, Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Energy Pvt. Limited is not just powering homes and industries—it is powering the future of a nation.
