Lahore, April 29, 2019 (PPI-OT): Engro Powergen Limited (EPL) along with China Machinery and Engineering Corporation (CMEC) is setting up first Thar coal based (2 x 330 MW) power plant (Complex) – Engro Powergen Thar (Pvt.) Limited (EPTL). The project achieved financial close (FC) in Apr-16 and the project’s contracted COD is in Oct-19. However, management is aiming for COD in Jun-19 on a best efforts basis. RCOD is Jun-19 as per PPA and delay LDs will apply if this date is exceeded. Nevertheless, in case of any delays, LDs will be paid through shareholders’ ROE.
The primary fuel is Thar Coal; however, the plant can accommodate imported coal. A 30-year coal supply agreement is signed with Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), which is constructing a coal mine in Thar Block-II. The mine’s contracted COD is Oct-19, though the management is targeting COD by June-19. As of Feb-19, the actual progress is 99.15% based on the shorter 38-month schedule. The company has successfully tested and synchronized its first unit in March-19 and the second unit in April-19 whereby power plant has successfully been connected to and provided electricity to the grid. However, various reliability and performance related tests need to be performed before RCOD. The financial strength and experience in the energy chain of the sponsoring companies – EEL and CMEC – is positive to the ratings.
The onshore EPC contract is with CERIECO and offshore EPC contract is with CMEC. Comfort is drawn from the experience of these contractors and the involvement of Pakistan and Chinese governments, as this project comes under CPEC. The ratings incorporate material completion of multiple affiliated infrastructure projects needed for the successful commissioning of the Complex. Once completed, the Company’s main challenge would be to keep the plant operational.
Offtake agreement is with NTDC, which will, upon plant’s availability as per contract, provide capacity payments even if no purchase order is placed. The Government of Pakistan has given payment guarantee against dues from NTDC. The business risk of the company is mitigated as the company has successfully produced electricity on the specifications of Thar coal, which is being used for the first time. Furthermore, the use of CFB Boiler by the Company largely covers the risk of varying lignite quality.
The management’s ability to effectively manage EPC risks provides comfort. Ensuring timely commissioning of the project would remain critical, which, once achieved, would be ratings positive. Moreover, the timely completion of the affiliated infrastructure projects needed to make the plant operational and the viability of Thar Coal is critical. External factors such as any adverse changes in the regulatory framework or material delay in achieving CoD may impact the ratings.
For more information, contact:
Analyst
The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA)
Awami Complex, FB1, Usman Block New Garden Town,
Lahore – Pakistan
Tel: +9242 586 9504 -6
Fax: +9242 583 0425
Email: hammad.rashid@pacra.com
Web: www.pacra.com