Integration of 750 MW renewable solar power to national grid of Pakistan – An economic and technical perspective

The electrical power distribution network in Pakistan is a complex system with many geographical regions suffering from frequent blackouts, limited and intermittent supply. Investment in mega-scale solar energy generation projects could help mitigate these supply related problems and counterbalance the country׳s growing dependence on imported oil. The purpose of this paper is to explore the economic and technical impact of connecting a mega-scale PV plant to the national grid. The area of Kharan in Balochistan province was chosen due to desired solar irradiation (7–7.5kWh/m2/day). The simulations were carried out with existing and planned interconnected transmission system of Pakistan that has not been pre-designed to incorporate such intermittent generation. Load flow studies and short circuit analysis were carried out and it was established that power from this solar power project can be evacuated to the 220KV system of National Transmission & Despatch Company (NTDC), Pakistan without any transmission constraints. The three phase and single phase short circuit current studies further confirmed reliable grid interconnection in terms of power quality indices. Furthermore recommendations encompassing the economics and technical sides are presented for the successful commissioning of this installation.