ISLAMABAD: The hydel power stations owned and operated by Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) delivered 3459 million units of low-cost hydel electricity to the National Grid in May 2016 as compared to 3290 million units generated during the corresponding period last year.
According to a press release, this generation registered an increase of 169 million units (5%) at a time when the country is in dire need of electricity.
This increased generation has been achieved due to improved hydrological condition, and efficient operation and maintenance of hydel power stations by WAPDA engineers and technicians.
The contribution of hydel generation to the National Grid by WAPDA is expected to increase in the days to come because of high water inflows and enhanced water outflows from the dams on IRSA's indent in accordance with the provinces' water requirements for irrigation.
It is worth mentioning that WAPDA delivers more than 31 billion units of hydel electricity to the National Grid every year on the average.
Hydel is the cheapest, cleanest and environment-friendly source of electricity generation, which plays a pivotal role to stabilise electricity tariff in the country.
According to the data of Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) regarding per unit cost of electricity generated from various sources in March 2016, it is Rs.1.94 for hydel, which is far lower than per unit cost of electricity generated from all other sources.
In comparison to hydel electricity, it is Rs. 8.71 per unit for gas, Rs.11.41 for residual furnace oil (RFO), Rs.18.60 for high speed diesel (HSD), Rs. 8.98 from IPPs, Rs.12.13 for coal, Rs.7.27 for nuclear, Rs.16.37 for wind, Rs.11.90 for bagasse, Rs. 22.03 for solar, and Rs. 10.53 per unit for electricity imported from Iran.
It is pertinent to mention that hydel power generation capacity of WAPDA stands at about 6902 MW - about one third of the total installed capacity in the country. It is a matter of great satisfaction that despite some of WAPDA hydel power stations being as old as 50 years, their generation capacity has stayed intact due to their proper maintenance and efficient operation by WAPDA.
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