Pakistan - Boosting Energy Security through Transmission in Pakistan (BEST-PAK) Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) Including First Phase for the Grid Stability Enhancement Project

Overview & Synopsis

Grid Stability Enhancement Project for Pakistan, with development objectives to strengthen transmission system stability and enhance operational performance. Component 1: Grid Stability Enhancement. This component supports installation of reactive power compensation assets to improve voltage control, increase south to center transfer capability, and reduce curtailment of variable renewable energy while enabling full utilization of the 4000 megawatt high voltage direct current line. Sub-components: Sub-component 1.1 Power Electronics-based Reactive Power Compensation Devices (STATCOMs). This sub-component finances approximately 2000 MVAr of dynamic reactive power support through modular static synchronous compensators, including two 400 MVAr STATCOMs at the 500 kV Dadu substation, two 400 MVAr STATCOMs at the 500 kV Rahim Yar Khan substation, and one 400 MVAr STATCOM at the 500 kV Guddu substation, to provide fast voltage regulation, damping of oscillations, and enhanced transient stability. Sub-component 1.2 Fixed Reactive Power Compensation Devices. This sub-component provides fixed and switchable equipment to manage steady state voltages, including switched capacitor banks of 2x48 MVAr at each of 17 substations, bus connected shunt reactors totaling 1132 MVAr across nine substations at 765, 500, and 220 kV, and line connected reactors of 259 MVAr at the Islamabad West terminals of the 500 kV double circuit line to Maira. Component 2: Project Implementation Support TA. This component funds an owners engineer and supervision services for design, procurement, testing, installation, and commissioning; strengthens National Grid Company of Pakistan planning and operational analytics and institutional capacity; builds fiduciary capacity; enhances environmental and social systems including grievance redress and occupational health and safety; and supports stakeholder coordination and readiness for subsequent phases of the Boosting Energy Security through Transmission in Pakistan program.