ISLAMABAD – GE Renewable Energy and Artistic Milliners have officiallycommissioned the flagship ‘Artistic Energy (Pvt.) Ltd.’ wind farm in theGharo-Keti Bandar Wind Corridor in Jhimpir, Sindh, a project which willhelp Pakistan expand its renewable energy production in line with itsVision 2025 goals.
The project has been executed flawlessly, with COD achieved in 15 monthsfrom contract signing and three months ahead of schedule. The hub height ofwind turbines at the Artistic Energy is 91m, making it the most efficientwind farm in the country with regards to output. The project is now feedingmuch-needed power to the national grid in meeting the urgent energy needsof the country before the peak summer season.
The 50 MW project is the sixth in Pakistan to feature GE’s advanced windturbines, following the agreement to provide and install 87-units tolargest 150 MW wind farm in Pakistan last year.
To this end, GE provided 29, 1.7-103 wind turbines to the engineering,procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, Power China, forimplementation, in addition to 10 years of operations and maintenanceservices as part of the contract.
The U.S. Agency for International Development and the National RenewableEnergy Laboratory estimates that Pakistan has over 132 gigawatts (GW) ofwind energy capacity.
Dr. Manar Al Moneef, General Manager GE Renewable Energy Middle East, NorthAfrica and Turkey, said:
The Gharo-Keti Bandar Wind Corridor in Jhimpir is fast becoming a hub fordomestic wind energy production and job creation. With an abundant supplyof wind, which has more than 100 GW electricity generation potential, GEcontinues to broaden the renewable energy footprint in Pakistan, as thisindigenous source helps to provide alternative and sustainable sources ofenergy.
We remain firmly committed to driving growth in Pakistan, ensuring aconsistent and reliable flow of energy to millions of people.
GE’s 1.7-103 high-performing wind turbine provides up to 30 percentincrease in annual energy production (AEP) compared to its predecessor.With an increase in blade swept area and 91m hub height, it allows forgreater energy capture and improved project economics for wind developersand operators, while maintaining required levels of efficiency, reliabilityand grid-connection capabilities.
GE has been providing advanced wind turbines for the development of windpower plants in the Jhimpir corridor in Thatta district, adding more powerto the national grid. The new wind farm further underlines the tremendouspotential of Pakistan in using wind power.