The Ministry of Energy, the State Grid Corp. of China, and the National Transmission and Despatch Co. (NTDC) celebrated a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at the Balloki Converter Station of the ±660 kV High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Matiari-Lahore Transmission Line.
The event also marked the successful operation of the key transmission project under CPEC for 1,000 days, according to NTDC. The HVDC Matiari-Lahore Line was executed by China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Co. (CET), a subsidiary of the State Grid Corp. of China.
In his address, the Energy Minister highlighted the robust economic partnership between China and Pakistan, saying that CPEC is a symbol of China’s profound commitment to the development of Pakistan.
Engr. Dr. Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan, the Managing Director of NTDC, underscored that the ±660 kV HVDC Transmission Line facilitates the transmission of electricity from coal-based power plants located in Port Qasim (Karachi), Hub (Balochistan), and Thar. The 886-kilometer long transmission line is capable of handling 4,000 MW of electricity. It has played a crucial role in reducing power losses, eliminating transmission bottlenecks, and enhancing the overall reliability of Pakistan’s transmission network, he added.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Li Yong, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Cao Ke, Deputy Counsellor General of China in Lahore, Mr. Shan Shewu, Chairman of CET, and other Chinese representatives affirmed that China will continue its support for the development of Pakistan.
