The second 42-megawatt unit of Zahedan medium-scale power plant in Sistan-Baluchestan Province has been connected to the country's national electricity grid, director of power plant projects at the Thermal Power Plants Holding Company said.
“TPPHC is building the medium-scale power station with a total capacity of 126 MW to increase the power production capacity of the southeastern province, prevent voltage drop in the grid, create employment and use the capabilities of local contractors and manufacturers,” the Energy Ministry’s news service Paven also quoted Farshid Haddadi as saying.
The power plant has three 42-MW units. Electricity consumption in Sistan-Baluchestan in the summer is more than what is generated by the power plants of the province. The power plant is under construction to balance output and consumption, provide stable electricity supply and meet the rising demand of the province, he added.
Noting that medium-scale power plants can play an important role in reducing voltage drop in remote areas, the official said, “As per the plans, the third unit of the plant will become operational soon.”
The main equipment of the project has been produced by MAPNA Group that signed a contract last December with TPPHC, a subsidiary of the Energy Ministry, to build six medium-sized gas power plants.
The deal also included the establishment of seven gas units, each with a nominal capacity of 42 MW, as well as other systems and ancillary equipment.
As per the deal, other than the units in Zahedan plant, other units would be built in Morvarid Power Plant on Kish Island, Jask Power Plant in Hormozgan Province, Doroud Power Plant in Lorestan Province, Shush Power Plant in Khuzestan Province and Khatam Power Plant in Yazd Province. The project was envisaged to be completed within 24 months.
The power plants will be equipped with a wide range of MAPNA's products and systems, including the MGT40 gas turbine, generators, power and control systems, as well as ancillary equipment.
MAPNA’s medium-scale power plants also have the ability to generate offshore and off-grid power, and are economically suitable for various industries. Another advantage of these units is the limited land area required.
MAPNA is a conglomerate of Iranian companies involved in the development and execution of thermal and renewable power plants, oil and gas industries, railroads and other industrial projects as well as manufacturing equipment.
In order to increase electricity generation and reduce voltage drop in remote areas, the use of medium-scale power stations is on the agenda of TPPHC. The construction of such power plants is a better option in remote areas than large-scale plants, as the latter does not have technical and economic justifications.
Power plants in Sistan-Baluchestan generate 1,100 MW while the province requires at least 1,500 MW to avoid power outages that have harmed industries by damaging electrical equipment and reducing efficiency.
Sistan-Baluchestan is an underdeveloped region and needs investment for developing its energy infrastructure. It is hoped that the improvement of energy infrastructure will help promote the region’s sustainable development.
