RIAA Barker Gillette represented Hydro Electric Power System Engineering Company (HEPSEC) in recently concluded contract negotiations for the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) agreement for the 747 MW Guddu Combined Cycle Power Plant. The multi-year agreement between Central Power Generation Company Limited (GENCO-II) and HEPSEC was formalised at a signing ceremony in Islamabad on 20 June 2025.
HEPSEC is an affiliate of Power China, a Chinese state-owned enterprise, specializing in power plant operations. The Guddu facility, located in Sindh province, forms part of Pakistan’s energy infrastructure network, supplying power to residential and industrial consumers across the region. This comprehensive O&M contract ensures continued reliable power supply for millions of Pakistani households while strengthening bilateral China-Pakistan energy cooperation initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
The contract negotiations addressed technical and regulatory frameworks governing Pakistan’s energy infrastructure. The O&M agreement establishes operational standards and maintenance protocols for the facility within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.HEPSEC previously secured the O&M contract for the Nandipur project in Pakistan. The company’s appointment to manage Guddu operations occurs as the Government of Pakistan evaluates privatisation options for both facilities.
“HEPSEC’s appointment as O&M contractor for Guddu, following their Nandipur success, evidences strong confidence between the parties. As the Government actively considers privatising both projects, successful operations by high-profile Chinese entities will elevate project profiles and attract investor interest while strengthening international partnerships in Pakistan’s energy sector,” stated Nadir Altaf, Partner at RIAA Barker Gillette, who led the team advising HEPSEC.
The transaction involved cross-border cooperation elements and regulatory considerations specific to major power generation facilities in Pakistan. The legal framework addressed operational efficiency requirements while incorporating Pakistan energy infrastructure legal standards applicable to international operators.
The RIAA Barker Gillette team advising HEPSEC was led by Nadir Altaf (Partner – Pakistan) and included Fahim Khan, Noor Tariq, Soha Abid, and Shah Hussain.
For advice on project and regulatory matters in the power sector, please contact Nadir Altaf.
This article is not legal advice; it provides information of general interest about current legal issues.
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