Guddu ST-16 revival set to unlock 297MW additional power

Mettis Global reported that restoring the fire-damaged Steam Turbine-16 at the Guddu 747 Power Plant could cut generation cost from Rs13.87 to Rs9.68 per unit. The saving of Rs4.19 per unit comes alongside an extra 297 MW of capacity, a 66% rise over current output. The plant has run in open-cycle mode at about 450 MW since a fire in July 2022 took the turbine and its generator out of service.

According to the press release, the plant currently ranks 11th in the dispatch queue, which reflects its expensive power. Once it returns to full combined-cycle operation, the plant would produce its designed 747 MW and climb to roughly 7th in the merit order, giving the system operator more low-cost supply. The procurement process has been formally started, with commissioning targeted for December 2028 and international bids due on 7 October 2026.

The report also highlights grid benefits, since Guddu is placed at a key node on the transmission system and along the north-south power route. Operating at full capacity would strengthen resilience and flexibility, and the government presents the revival as a way to maximise existing assets and deliver value to consumers.