National Electric Power Regulatory Authority

Islamic Republic of Pakistan

NEPRA Tower, Attaturk Avenue (East), G-511, Islamabad

Ph: +92-51-9206500, Fax: +92-51-2600026
Web: www.nepra.org.pk, E-mail: [email protected]

No. NEPRA/R/LAG-285/2 olat, - 73- October 14, 2019

Mr. Ahsan Zafar Syed,

Chief Executive Officer,
Engro Powergen Thar (Private) Limited,
16th Floor, The Harbor Front Building,
HC ft 3, Marine Drive, Block-4,
Clifton, Karachi.

Subject: Modification-I in Generation Licence No. IGSPL/49/2015

Licence Application No. LAG-285
Engro Powergen Thar (Private) Limited (EPGTPL)

Reference: EPGTPL 's LPM submitted vide letter dated May 06, 2019 (received on May 14,
2019)

It is intimated that the Authority has approved Modification in Generation Licence No.
IGSPL/49/2015 dated March 18, 2015 in respect of Engro Powergen Thar (Private) Limited
(EPGTPL), pursuant to Regulation 10(11) of the NEPRA Licensing (Application and Modification
Procedure) Regulations 1999.

2. Enclosed please find herewith determination of the Authority in the matter of Licensee
Proposed Modification in the Generation Licence of EPGTPL along with Modification-I in the
Generation Licence No. IGSPL/49/2015 as approved by the Authority.
Encl: As above

`-1 X 1c)
(Syed Safeer Hussain)

Copy to:

I. Secretary, Power Division, Ministry of Energy, A-Block, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad.

2. Managing Director, NTDC, 4l4-WAPDA House, Lahore.

3. Chief Executive Officer, CPPA-G, ENERCON Building, Sector G-5/2, Islamabad.

4. Chief Executive Officer, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company Limited (HESCO),

WAPDA Offices Complex, Hussainabad, Hyderabad

5. Director General, Environment Protection Department, Government of Sindh, Complex

Plot No. ST-2/1, Korangi Industrial Area, Karachi.
 National Electric Power Regulatory Authority
(NEPRA)

Determination of the Authority

in the Matter of Licensee Proposed Modification in the
Generation Licence of Engro Powergen Thar (Pvt.) Limited

October 111 2019

Case No. LAG-285

(A). Background
(i). The Authority in terms of Section-15 (now Section-14B) of the
Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act,
1997 (the "NEPRA Act") granted a generation licence (No. IGSPU49/2015 dated
March 18, 2015 to Engro Powergen Thar (Pvt.) Limited (EPGTPL) for its 660 MW
indigenous Thar coal based generation facility/thermal power plant.

(u). According to the above generation licence, the generation

facility/thermal power plant consist of 2x330 MW steam turbine with Circulating
Fluidized Bed Boiler with subcritical parameters. The generation facility is located
at 5.0 KM from Thar Block-II, District Tharparkar, in the province of Sindh.

(B). Communication of Modification

(i). EPGTPL in accordance with Regulation-10(2) of the NEPRA
Licensing (Application & Modification Procedure) Regulations, 1999 (the "Licensing
Regulations"), communicated a Licensee Proposed Modification (LPM) in its
existing generation licence on May 14, 2019.

(ii). In the text of the proposed modification, EPGTPL proposed to

incorporate the ramping rate (MW/min), in its generation licence as given below:-

Unit load range Cold Start Warm Start Hot Start

% age (%MW/Min) ((MAW/Min) (%MW/Min)
0—<25% 50.35 50.8 51.0

25°/0— 550% 50.35 50.8 51.0

>50— 5100% 50.35 50.8 51.0

Page 1 of 11
 (iii). Further, in the text of the proposed modification, EPGTPL also
proposed to incorporate the time required to synchronize to Grid, in its generation
licence as given below:-

Length of s2 >2 s8 >8s32 >32 5150 >150

Shutdown in hours
Time required to
synchronize to Grid 100 150 350 530 770
(Min)

(iv). Regarding statement of the reasons in support of the modification,

EPGTPL, inter alia, stated that the data/specification regarding ramping rate and
the time required to synchronized to the grid provided at the time of filing of
application for grant of generation licence, were tentative and indicative in nature.
These specifications require modification in light of actual design and requirements
of the power plant and instructions provided by the Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) to EPGTPL.

(v). About "statement of the impact on the tariff, quality of service and the
performance by the Licensee of its obligations under the licence", EPGTPL has
submitted that (a). the upfront tariff granted to EPGTPL will not be effected by the
proposed modifications; (b). the modification is necessary to avoid any impediment
in the quality of service and (c). the proposed modification will facilitate EPGTPL in
fulfilling its obligations under the generation licence.

(C). Processing of LPM

(i). After completion of all the required information as stipulated under
the Regulation 10(2) and 10(3) of the Licensing Regulations by EPGTPL, the
Registrar published the communicated LPM on May 30, 2019 in one (01) English
and one (01) Urdu newspaper to inform the general public, interested/affected
parties, and different stakeholders about the said LPM as required under the
Regulation-10(4) of the Licensing Regulations. The Registrar invited comments of
the said stakeholders in favor or against the communicated LPM.

(ii). Apart from the above, separate letters were also sent to
government ministries, their attached departments and representative
organizations etc. on May 30, 2019. Through the said letters, the stakeholders were
informed about the communicated LPM and publication of notice in the press.
Further, the ties were invited for submitting their views and comments in
'FR Rtt ,
Page 2 of 11

REGISTR
the matter for assisting the Authority.

(D). Comments of Stakeholders

(i). In response to the above, this office has received comments from
Central Power Purchasing Agency (Guarantee) Limited (CPPA-G) only. The salient
points of the comments offered by CPPA-G are summarized in the following
paragraphs:

(a). CPPA-G commented that review of the proposed modification

reveals that EPGTPL intends to lower ramping rate for unit load
range under cold and warm start between 50% to 100% i.e.
0.35%/min and 0.8%/min respectively than that has already been
allowed by NEPRA for 2x660 MW coal fired power plant of Port
Qasim Electric Power Company Limited (PQEPCL) i.e. <0.5%/m
and >0.5<1. Furthermore, time required to synchronize to grid for
subject project seems to be on higher side for less than 2 hours
and more than 150 length hours shut down than that has already
been allowed in respect of 2x660MW coal fired power plant of
Huaneng Shandong Rui Pakistan Energy (Pvt.) Limited
(HSRPEPL). It is further highlighted that for lower ramping rate the
unit requires more time to comply with the despatch instructions
and consequently it increases the unit/complex startup cost due to
increase in quantity of HSD/Coal fuel burned during the startup
process. Moreover, EPGTPL has applied for calculating NTS from
ignition of its boiler which should be taken from the notice by the
system operator as per the prudent practice in all other IPPs of the
country. Thus CPPA-G is of the view that EPGTPL being the
smaller in complex size and capacity from PQEPCL and
HSRPEPL should be allowed ramping rate and time required to
synchronize to grid less than from the already commissioned coal
fired power plants.

(ii). The Authority examined the above comments of CPPA-G and

considered it appropriate to seek perspective of the licensee/EPGTPL on the
observations of CPPA-G. On the comments of CPPA-G, the Licensee/EPGTPL
submitted that comments offered by CPPA-G are of comparative nature (in
comparison with I d Coal fired Projects of different technology and using
.1t REGe
Page 3 of 11
different fuel) without raising any objection on project specific technical data
provided by EPGTPL under Technical Statement of the Reasons in Support of the
Modification which clearly defines the requirements for this Project and its technical
requirements.

(iii). Under Technical Statement of the Reasons in Support of the

Modification, EPGTPL submitted that the modifications to the ramping rates and
the time periods for synchronization to the grid are necessary because the
specifications provided by the Company to NEPRA at the time of filing of the
application for grant of its generation licence were tentative and indicative in nature.
Accordingly, these specifications required modification in light of the actual design
and requirements of the power plant and the data and instructions provided by the
OEM to the Company. Consistent with NEPRA determination in the matter of similar
IPPs modification application and Article 3.3 of the generation licence, the
Company has applied for modification of its generation licence in light of the actual
design of the power plant and the data provided and instructions received by the
Company from the OEM. In addition to the above, modification to the ramping rates
is necessary because:

(a). Boiler at EPGTPL is a CFB boiler utilizing Thar lignite coal. For
CFB the normal ramp rate is 1 %. Boiler is burning high moisture
lignite coal and requires some residence time to ensure proper
burning. If the ramping rate is not followed, the circulation & even
heating of the furnace cannot be ensured, a faster ramping may
cause additional coal (at lower temperatures) into the furnace
which may result in localized explosion, ash fusion and clinker
formation in Boiler. Therefore, the modification to the ramping
rate, has been proposed to ensure safe and efficient operation of
the power plant;

(b). The ramping rate is also crucial to ensure proper heating of the
Boiler/Steam tubes & piping, if the ramping rate is not observed,
it may cause an adverse change in the airflow, distribution of coal,
and difficulty in achieving thermal & chemical equilibrium for the
CFB boiler, which may impact the boiler & steam piping etc.
adversely. Under these circumstances, the boiler may overheat
or leak. Furthermore, the operational life span of turbine may be

Page 4 of 11
 affected due to the excessive heat stress on the cylinder metal.

(c). The operation life span of steam turbine cylinder may be seriously
impacted due to the excessive change rate of load and
temperature. Furthermore, the ramping rate at various operation
conditions shall be limited within the metal temperature increase
rate range of cylinder. In view of above, the ramping rate of
EPGTPL, shall be limited within 1%.

(iv). Regarding rationale for modification to the time required for

synchronization to the grid EPGTPL submitted that said modification are based on
the technical requirements of the technical specification of OEM and take into
consideration the efficient and safe operation of the plant. In this regard, EPGTPL
provided detailed calculation for grid synchronization for different lengths of
shutdown:-

(a). More than 150 hours: Total 770 minutes, wherein 420 minutes
are required for CFB boiler to set up temperature and pressure
after the successful ignition; hot flushing time of 100 minutes in
addition to Boiler Startup time to achieve the steam purity is
required; 30 minutes are required for the pre-warming up of
Turbine Cylinder (already included in Boiler Hot Flushing time),
220 minutes is required for steam turbine rush to 3000rpm after
admission of steam(including 120 minutes at 1200rpm and
2000rpm cylinder warming) ; Then, 30 minutes is required for
synchronize to grid. Therefore, total 770 minutes is required for
unit start-up.

(b). More than 32 hours less than 150 hours: Total 530 minutes,
wherein 420 minutes are required for CFB boiler to set up
temperature and pressure after the successful ignition; hot
flushing for 25 minutes is needed which will also include the pre-
warming up of Turbine Cylinder; 55 minutes is required for steam
turbine rush to 3000rpm after admission of steam (including 25
minutes at 3000rpm cylinder warming); Then, 30 minutes is
required for synchronize to grid. Therefore, total 530 minutes is
required for unit start-up.

Page 5 of 11
 (c). More than 8 hours less than 32 hours: Total 350 minutes, wherein
260 minutes are required for CFB boiler to set up temperature
and pressure after the successful ignition;40 minutes is required
for steam turbine rush to 3000rpm .after admission of steam and
20 minutes at 3000rpm cylinder warming; Then, 30 minutes is
required for synchronize to grid. Therefore, total 350 minutes is
required for unit start-up.

(d). More than 2 hours less than 8 hours: Total 150 minutes, wherein
80 minutes are required for CFB boiler to set up temperature and
pressure after the successful ignition;40 minutes is required for
steam turbine rush to 3000rpm after admission of steam; then, 30
minutes is required for synchronize to grid. Therefore, total 150
minutes is required for unit start-up.

(e). Not more than 2 hours: Total 100 minutes, wherein 60 minutes
are required for CFB boiler to set up temperature and pressure
after the successful ignition;20 minutes is required for steam
turbine rush to 3000rpm after admission of steam; Then, 20
minutes is required for synchronize to grid. Therefore, total 100
minutes is required for unit start-up.

(v). EPGTPL further submitted that its complex is a 2x330 MW CFB Boiler
based power plant, which is a specially suited technology for high moisture
Indigenous Coal of Thar Block-II. The low calorific value of Thar Coal & its non-
homogeneity has been the reason for the selection of this particular technology,
this technology is grossly different from the Prevailing Pulverized Coal (PC) boiler
technology which has been used predominantly for Imported Sub-
bituminous/Bituminous coals. Additionally the referred projects are using a super-
critical steam turbine of 660 MW vs. a 330 MW sub-critical steam turbine at
EPGTPL. Hence, such comparisons may not be practical owing to difference in the
technology (like PC vs. CFB Boilers, Sub-critical vs. Super critical etc.) as well as
difference in OEMs.

(vi). Regarding the requesting ramping rates, EPGTPL submitted that (a).
since the boiler is burning a high moisture lignite coal (upto 50% moisture in Thar
Coal) ting bed of vs. PC boiler burning bituminous coal (moisture 15-

Page 6 of 11
20% in imported Coal) in suspension firing tangentially. (b). For a CFB boiler with
high amounts of circulating solids, keeping a ramp rate of upto 1% minimize the
thermal stresses on the boiler pressure parts & refractory. It also maintains uniform
heating of the furnace. At such rate, the coal introduction also minimizes the risk of
localized instabilities leading to non-uniform temperatures & reduces the probability
of ash clinker formation.

(vii). On the observations of CPPA-G for calculating the grid

synchronization time the notice by the system operator, EPGTPL submitted that
moving the starting point from the burner firing to the notice to synchronization from
system operator will required additional time of 30 minutes to cover for the period
between the Notice to Synchronization and the Burner firing for the Plant
preparation & lineup of fuel & Air systems prior to ignition.

(viii). In view of the above, EPGTPL stressed that all the values (ramp-up
rates and synchronization time) requested in the LPM are as per OEM
recommendations therefore should be incorporated in the generation licence. In
this regard, EPGTPL provided original certificates and relevant/supporting
documents from OEM to support its point of view.

(ix). The Authority examined the above submissions/response of EPGTPL

and decided to share the technical details submitted by EPGTPL regarding ramping
rate and grid synchronization time with CPPA-G, requiring its clear consent in the
matter. In response, CPPA-G through its letter dated September 04, 2019 inter alia
submitted that the proposed modifications/claims of EPGTPL regarding ramping
rate and grid resynchronization time are in accordance with the technical limits as
recommended by the OEM.

(x). In view of the above, the Authority considered it appropriate to

proceed further in the matter of LPM of EPGTPL as stipulated in the relevant
Regulations and NEPRA Licensing (Generation) Rules 2000 (the "Generation
Rules").

(E). Evaluation/Findirms
(i). The Authority examined the entire case in detail considering the
already granted generation licence & upfront tariff, the communicated LPM,
comments of stakeholders, rejoinder of EPGTPL on comments and provisions of
relevant rules and regulations in the matter.
 (ii). The Authority observes that in terms of Regulation-10(2) of the
Licensing Regulations, a licensee may, at any time during the term of a licence,
communicate to the Authority an LPM setting out (a). the text of the proposed
modification; (b). a statement of the reasons in support of the modification; and (c).
a statement of the impact on the tariff, quality of service and the performance by
the licensee of its obligations under the licence.

(iii). Regarding criteria of modification in licence, the Authority observed

that in terms of Regulation-10(5) of the Licensing Regulations, it is entitled to
modify a licence in accordance with an authority proposed modification or LPM,
subject to and in accordance with such further changes as the Authority may deem
fit if, in the opinion of the Authority such modification (a). does not adversely affect
the performance by the licensee of its obligations; (b). does not cause the Authority
to act or acquiesce in any act or omission of the licensee in a manner contrary to
the provisions of the NEPRA Act or the rules or regulations made pursuant to it; (c).
is or is likely to be beneficial to the consumers; (d). is reasonably necessary for the
licensee to effectively and efficiently perform its obligations under the licence; and
(e).is reasonably necessary to ensure the continuous, safe and reliable supply of
electric power to the consumers keeping in view the financial and technical viability
of the licensee.

(iv). The main features of the application under consideration are that the
Authority originally granted a generation licence (No. IGSPL/49/2015 dated March
18, 2015 to EPGTPL for its thermal generation facility/thermal power plant with an
installed capacity of 660.00 MW based on 2x330 MW steam turbines with a
subcritical boiler parameters. According to the generation licence, the generation
facility is to be operated primarily on indigenous coal of Thar Coal field.

(v). According to the above mentioned generation licence, the

parameters of ramping rate (0.5 to 1.0% or 1.65 to 3.3 MW/minute) and time
required to synchronize to grid provided at the time of generation licence
application and subsequently incorporated in the Schedule-I of the existing
generation licence are indicative and are required to be confirmed after
engineering design of the plant.

(vi). Accordingly, through the communicated LPM, EPGTPL proposed to

include the following values of ramping rate in its generation licence:

of 11

REGISTRAF
 Unit load range Cold Start Warm Start Hot Start
% age (%MW/Min) (%MW/Min) (%MW/Min)
0—<25% 50.35 50.8 51.0

25°/0— 550')/0 50.35 50.8 51.0

>50— 5100°/0 50.35 50.8 51.0

(vii). Further, EPGTPL also proposed to modify the grid synchronizing time
to grid according to the length of the shutdown time of the units/complex.

Length of 52 >2 58 >8532 >32 5150 >150

Shutdown in hours
Time required to
synchronize to Grid 100 150 350 530 770
(in Min)

(viii). In this regard, the Authority has observed that that the technical data
provided by the applicant at the time of filing of generation licence application are
mostly tentative and according to the feasibility study of the project. The ramping
rate and time required for synchronization are design parameters and fixed at the
design stage. The same are expected to refine at final stages of the project,
according to the manufacturer provided data. Accordingly, finalization of the said
parameters is considered as subject matter of PPA. Further, the PPA signed
between CPPA-G and EPGTPL provides indicative values of ramping rates and
grid synchronization time which are subject to change/update by the
Company/EPGTPL within 365 days from the Effective Date.

(ix). The Authority has observed that the said issue has also been
considered at the time of grant of the generation licences to different projects and
accordingly a sub-article has been included in the generation licences. In Article 3.3
of the generation licence of EPGTPL, the licensee has been directed to provide the
final arrangement, technical and financial specification and other specific details
pertaining to its generation facility before its commercial operation date (COD) and
EPGTPL has submitted the LPM for incorporation of the final parameters before its
COD.

(x). Regarding the proposed changes, EPGTPL also submitted notarized

translation of the start-up curves of steam turbine provided by the OEM of the steam
turbine of the plant. Further, EPGTPL also provided a certificate from OEM of the
boilers of the plant (i.e. General Electric-Alstom) stating that the start-up curves
provided by EPGTPL are true copies of start-up curves of its boil designed for
Thar Coal and supplied to EPGTPL. In this regard, the Authority observes that the
proposed changes in the ramping rate and grid synchronization time are as per
OEMs loading curves.

(xi). The Authority has observed that the issues of ramping rate grid
synchronization time were also faced by the HSRPEPL and PQEPCL. In the said
cases, the Authority considered the proposed changes and observed that the same
are necessary for the safety and proper operation of the units. Accordingly, the
Authority approved the change in the said parameters in generation licence of
HSRPEPL and PQEPCL according to the data/recommendation provided by the
equipment manufacturer.

(xii). Regarding impact of the communicated LPM on tariff, the Authority

observes that EPGTPL unconditionally opted for the upfront tariff determined by the
Authority for Thar Coal Projects and the Authority through determination No.
NEPRA/TRF-301/EPTPL-2015/3272-3274 dated March 13, 2015, has granted up
front tariff to EPGTPL for its 660 MW Thar Coal based project. Although the
proposed changes will result in slight increase in the startup cost of the generation
facility, however considering the envisaged base load operation of the plant, the
impact on tariff is negligible. Therefore, the Authority is of the opinion that the
communicated LPM of EPGTPL will not have any adverse impact on its existing up

front tariff.

(xiii). In view of the above, the Authority considers that the LPM will not
have any adverse effect on the performance of the Licensee of its obligations.
Further, the LPM will not cause the Authority to act or acquiesce in any act or
omission of the licensee in a manner contrary to the provisions of the NEPRA Act
or the rules or regulations made thereunder. The LPM will be beneficial to the
consumers in general as compared to other fuels as cheaper energy based on
indigenous resource (Thar Coal) will be available to the power purchaser. The LPM
is reasonably necessary for the licensee to effectively and efficiently perform its
obligations under the licence. The LPM is necessary to ensure the continuous, safe
and reliable supply of electric power to the consumers keeping in view the financial
and technical viability of the Licensee.

Page 10 of 11
(F). Approval of LPM

(i). In view of the above, the Authority is satisfied that the Licensee has
complied with all the requirements of the Licensing Regulations pertaining to the
modification. Therefore, the Authority in terms of Regulation-10(11) of the Licensing
Regulations approves the communicated LPM without any changes.

(ii). Accordingly, the already granted Generation Licence (No.

IGSPL/49/2015 dated March 18, 2015) is hereby modified. The changes made in
the generation licence are attached as annexure to this determination. The approval
of the LPM is subject to the provisions contained in the NEPRA Act, relevant rules
framed there under, terms & conditions of the generation licence and other
applicable documents.

Authorit

Rafique Ahmed Shaikh

(Member)

Rehmatullah Baloch
(Member)

Saif Ullah Chattha (Did not Attend the meeting-Away)

(Member)

Engr. Bahadur Shah (Did not Attend the meeting-Away)

(MemberNice Chairman)

-------
Tauseef H. Farooqi
(Chairman)

..----'
Page 11 of 11
 National Electric Power Regulatory Authority
(NEPRA)
Islamabad — Pakistan

GENERATION LICENCE
No. IGSPL/49/2015

In exercise of the Powers conferred upon the National Electric

Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) under Section-26 of the Regulation of
Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997, as
amended or replaced from time to time, the Authority hereby modifies the
Generation Licence (No. IGSPL/49/2015 dated March 18, 2015) granted
to Engro Powergen Thar (Private) Limited, to the extent of changes
mentioned hereunder:

(a). Changes made in Schedule-I of the Generation Licence

regarding ramping rate and time required to synchronize
to grid attached are as Annexure-A.

This Modification-I is given under my hand on this 11/4day of

October Two Thousand & Nineteen

Registrar
 Generation Licence
Engro Powergen Thar (Pvt.) Limited
5.0 KM from Thar Coal Block-II
Thar Coalfields, District Tharparkar,
in the province of Sindh

Annexure-A

Page 1 of 2 of
Modification-I
 Generation Licence
Engro Powergen Thar (Pvt.) Limited
5.0 KM from Thar Coal Block-II
Thar Coalfields, District Tharparkar,
in the province of Sindh
Modification-I
in the Generation Licence (No. IGSPL/49/2015, dated March
18, 2015) of Powergen Engro (Private) Limited

(A). Details of Generation Facility/Power Plant:

(a). At Para F(v) of Schedule-I of the generation licence, the detail relating
to ramping rate of the generation facility/power plant has been
incorporated as following:

Load Range Cold Start Warm Start Hot Start

(%age) (% MW/Min) (% MW/Min) (% MW/Min)

0—<25% 50.35 50.8 51.0

.?.25%— 550% 50.35 50.8 51.0

>50— 5100% 50.35 50.8 51.0

(b). At Para F(vi) of Schedule-I of the generation licence, the detail

relating to time required to synchronize to grid has been incorporated
as following:
Length of
Shutdown 52 >2 5
_8 >8532 >32 5.150 >150
( in Hours)
Time required to
synchronize to Grid 100 150 350 530 770
(in Minutes)

Page 2 of 2 of
Modification-I