KE 500kV KKI GIS Grid & 220kV T-Line LILO `

Project Overview

The KANUPP–K-Electric Interconnection (KKI) Project is one of Karachi’s most significant transmission infrastructure developments, establishing K-Electric’s first 500kV interconnection with Pakistan’s National Transmission & Dispatch Company (NTDC). The project comprises a new 500/220kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Grid Station together with 220kV Double-Circuit Loop-In Loop-Out (LILO) transmission lines, creating a high-capacity power corridor between the national grid and Karachi.

The interconnection enables reliable evacuation of low-cost electricity from KANUPP Units K-2 and K-3, strengthens grid stability, enhances transmission reliability, and significantly increases the city’s capability to import economical baseload power while reducing dependence on expensive local thermal generation.

OMS provided comprehensive engineering consultancy, technical due diligence, independent design review, construction supervision, and commissioning support throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with international engineering standards, contractual requirements, and utility performance objectives.

Project Specifications

• Project Type: 500/220kV Grid Interconnection between NTDC and K-Electric.
• Primary Facility: New 500/220kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Grid Station.
• Transformation Capacity: 1,800 MVA through three 500/220kV Auto-Transformer Banks.
• Transmission System: 220kV Double-Circuit LILO transmission lines connecting the KKI GIS Grid Station with Baldia–Mauripur circuits.
• GIS Configuration: 500kV GIS with double-bus arrangement incorporating transformer bays, transmission line bays, control, protection, SCADA and telecommunication systems.
• 220kV System: Double-bus GIS incorporating transmission line bays, bus coupler, incomer transformer bays and complete protection, control and metering systems.
• Grid Integration: Designed to facilitate large-scale import of low-cost generation from KANUPP K-2 and K-3 nuclear power plants into the K-Electric transmission network.
• Project Outcome: Successfully commissioned and energized as Karachi’s first 500kV grid interconnection with the national transmission network.

OMS Scope of Services

1. Engineering Design Review & Technical Due Diligence
   • Performed independent technical due diligence, feasibility review, and detailed engineering design review for the complete 500/220kV GIS Grid Station and associated 220kV LILO transmission system.
   • Reviewed electrical layouts, equipment specifications, protection schemes, control philosophy, SCADA systems, telecommunications, civil and structural engineering, and compliance with applicable IEC standards.
   • Evaluated contractor engineering submissions, design calculations, technical documentation, and interface coordination to support project implementation.
2. Project Management & Contract Administration
   • Provided project management consultancy throughout engineering and construction, including schedule monitoring, contract administration, document control, progress reporting, and Earned Value Management.
   • Reviewed contractor procurement activities, technical submittals, construction documentation, bills of quantities, invoices, variations, and extension of time claims.
   • Coordinated technical interfaces among project stakeholders, contractors, and utility representatives to ensure effective project execution.
3. Construction Supervision & Quality Assurance
   • Supervised construction of the 500/220kV GIS Grid Station, transformer installations, GIS equipment, protection and control systems, auxiliary systems, SCADA, telecommunications, and associated civil works.
   • Supervised installation of the 220kV Double-Circuit LILO transmission lines, including foundations, towers, conductors, OPGW, cable terminations, and interface works.
   • Monitored construction quality, HSE compliance, contractor performance, and adherence to project specifications and approved engineering standards.
4. Testing, Commissioning & Grid Integration
   • Witnessed factory acceptance tests (FAT), site acceptance tests (SAT), pre-commissioning, protection testing, SCADA integration, energization activities, and final system commissioning.
   • Reviewed testing procedures, method statements, commissioning documentation, and operational readiness prior to grid energization.
   • Supported successful synchronization and integration of the KKI Grid Station into the K-Electric transmission network, enabling reliable power import from the national grid.