Power distribution work starts for Gwadar Free Zone North
In a significant development, the initiation of power distribution efforts has begun to deliver 5 Mega Watts (MW) of electricity to Gwadar Free Zone North. This involves the erection of power poles and the installation of electricity wires, and the entire process is set to unfold in two concurrent phases, as reported by Gwadar Pro on Friday.
The anticipated timeline for the completion of this crucial undertaking is two months, providing a boost to the infrastructural development in the region.
In the first phase, the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has taken the lead by commencing the installation of power infrastructure. This spans from the grid station to the perimeter walls of Gwadar Free Zone North. Simultaneously, in the second phase, the local company SIGMA Engineering Ltd, outsourced by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Limited, has initiated the laying of the electricity distribution system. This network extends from the walls of Gwadar Free Zone to the structures within various industrial sites.
According to a GPA official, "Once the entire project is finalized, the power tariff charged to factories on a per-unit basis will be approximately Rs 57, in line with the government rate prescribed for industries." Currently, operational factories in Gwadar Free Zone North are temporarily receiving electricity from generator-based sources.
This progress follows a joint feasibility study conducted by Quetta Electric Power Supply Company (QEPSC) and China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC), marking a collaborative effort in the pursuit of enhanced power infrastructure.
The exclusive Deep Sea Port grid station, established in 2019, caters specifically to Gwadar port and Free Zone through three feeders. Notably, the grid station will source electricity from three distinct outlets: the national grid station of Quetta, Gabd-Remdan on the Iran border, and Nag-Besima section on another border with Iran. This strategic move aims to bolster the reliability and sustainability of the power supply for Gwadar Free Zone North.