PACRA Maintains the Entity Ratings of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power (Pvt.) Limited

Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power (Pvt.) Limited (QASPL) is operating a 100MW Solar Power Plant – set up by the Government of Punjab (GoPb), and commenced its operations in Jul-15 and operates under the Renewable Energy Policy 2006. The Ratings take into account the association of GoPb. A long-term energy purchase agreement of 25 years with CPPA-G, mitigating the underlying business and economical risk factors, along with sovereign guarantees on power purchaser’s payment obligation, also contribute positively towards the ratings. Comfort is drawn from TBEA Xinjiang Sunoasis Company Ltd. – the O&M operator having international experience. Ratings incorporate adherence to performance benchmarks through power generation, underpinned by healthy cash flows generation. QASPL has repaid ~67% of its debt on time, facet of strong financial profile and sound working capital management. Most of the working capital requirements are fulfilled through internal cash flow generation. This generation ability provides strength to the company and creates room for further expansion, which the management is already considering.
Upholding operational performance in line with agreed performance levels is important. Improving, indeed aligning, receipt pattern from power purchaser, debt repayment behavior and liquidity cushion would impact the directions of ratings. External factors such as any adverse changes in the regulatory framework and weakening of financial profile may impact negatively.

About the Entity
Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Limited, incorporated in 2013. The 100MW Solar Plant is set up in Cholistan, Punjab. The total cost of the project was PKR 15,130mln. Debt financing constitutes 75% of the project cost i.e., PKR 11,137mln, which is financed from a local bank. The project was commissioned in July 2015. QASPL Board of Directors (BoD) comprises twelve members, excluding the CEO. Out of these, five members represent Government of Punjab through different ministries and seven members are the independent directors including the chairman. Mr. Muhammad Badar ul Munir is the CEO of the company accompanied by an experienced team.