Karachi, January 30, 2023 (PPI-OT): Pakistan Power: Nuclear takes the forefront

Power generation has clocked in at 8,417GWh for the month of Dec’22, remaining flat MoM while decreasing by 4.5%YoY compared to 8,815GWh generated last year. Circular debt for the power sector has crossed PkR2.5tn compared to PKR2.25tn in June.

The significant increases in power generation have been seen from Coal fired power plants, with generation up 56%MoM. Furthermore, Nuclear plants have sustained their levels of generation, while the natural course of hydrology in winters has led to a 31%MoM decrease in generation from the Hydel source.

Average cost of generation for the month has risen by 18% to PkR7.0/kWh owing to the decrease in generation from Hydel plants. In terms of the generation mix for 1HFY23, the largest contributors are Hydel, Nuclear, RLNG, Coal and Gas, contributing 32%/19%/14%/14%/11% to the mix.

HUBC has seen significant decline in operations, cumulating to 94% less power purchased compared to last December while down 29%MoM. The CPHGC remains barely used with its low position in the Merit Order as the plant relies solely on the expensive imported coal. Meanwhile, the base plant remains non-operational for the last 3 months, although that is bound to increase profitability for the inefficient plant.