Press Release: GE Vernova, Inc. (NYSE: GEV) announced the completion of the first-ever outage on its HA gas turbine technology in the Middle East and South Asia at the National Power Parks Management Company (NPPMCL)’s Haveli Bahadur Shah and Balloki power plants in Punjab, Pakistan. The Bhikki power plant is expected to be inspected in 2026.
“Like cars, the average gas turbine needs periodic inspections to maintain its performance,” said Akram Kamal, Chief Executive Officer at Pakistan’s National Power Parks Management Company (NPPMCL).“This project, executed by GE Vernova in record time, enabled us to continue to deliver electricity reliably, while significantly enhancing the stability of the electrical grid and reducing risks of black outs in the country.”
The three power plants began full commercial operations in 2018 and play a crucial role in addressing Pakistan’s growing electricity demands. Powered by GE Vernova H-Class combined cycle equipment, these sites generate collectively up to 3.6 gigawatts, the equivalent power needed to supply up to 7.5 million homes in Pakistan.
“Pakistan began importing liquid natural gas about a decade ago and awarded us contracts to supply six 9HA.01 turbines for three power plants in Punjab,” said Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “We have several 9HA gas turbines installed in the UAE and Bahrain, and 7HA units on order in Saudi Arabia. As these turbines, slightly newer than those in Pakistan, approach their first planned outages, the successful management of this outage in Pakistan marks a promising model.”
GE Vernova’s Gas Power team brings extensive experience in improving power plant performance through maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. Each outage executed in Pakistan engaged nearly 200 people over four months, resulting in thousands of safe man-hours with zero incidents. A healthy ‘speaking up’ culture also contributed. If anyone felt any risk, they stopped work and reported the concern. The on-site team would then rectify the issue before continuing.
GE Vernova has supported Pakistan’s energy sector since the 1960s and remains committed to powering the country forward as it aims to transition to 60% renewables and 30% electric vehicles by 2030. GE Vernova’s technologies generate power in Pakistan from diverse sources, including wind, hydro, steam, and gas. Additionally, the company’s grid solutions business has contributed to upgrading the country’s transmission and distribution infrastructure by supplying various GIS/AIS high-voltage grid stations. Notably, the 500kV/220kV Faisalabad West Substation in Central Punjab province, energized in January 2022, remains one of the cornerstones of the High Voltage National Grid in Pakistan.
