The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) has connected the high voltage direct current (HVDC) system with the high voltage alternating current (HVAC) system for the first time in Pakistan.
About three kilometres long 500kV AC transmission line i.e. 500kV double circuit transmission line on quad-bundled drake conductor, for looping in/out of the second circuit of 500kV Lahore New (South) grid station to Sheikhupura transmission line at Balloki Lahore HVDC Converter Station has been completed and energized.
A major cause of loss of energy during transmission in improper transmission structure. The government has planned installation of about 4000MW power plants including imported coal-based power plants at Bin Qasim & Hub and Thar Coal-based power plants in Thar area in the southern part of the country. These power plants will be connected with 500kV Matiari switching station through 500kV HVAC transmission lines. Moreover, 890km long +660kV HVDC bipole transmission line from Matiari to Lahore along with converter stations at both ends will be constructed by an Independent Transmission Company on BOOT basis for the transfer of bulk power from Matiari to upcountry load centres.
