LAHORE: Electricity generation by Wapda hydel power stations surpasses the 7000MW mark as Wapda contributed 7286MW to the National Grid during peak hours on Tuesday night. Effective operation and maintenance of Wapda hydel power stations, improved inflows in the rivers, increased level of water reservoirs and indent by the IRSA are the contributing factors behind the surge in hydel power generation by Wapda.

According to the statistics, Tarbela Hydel Power Station generation is 3446MW, Tarbela 4th Extension 1410MW, Ghazi Barotha 1450MW, Mangla 275MW, Warsak 172MW, and Chashma 147MW. At the same time, the other hydel power stations contributed 386MW cumulatively. Hydel generation by Wapda is expected to increase in the days to come with improved hydrological conditions, increased indent by IRSA and resumption of electricity generation from Neelum Jhelum Hydel Power Station.

The cost of Wapda hydel generation stands at Rs3.51 per unit, which is the cheapest compared to other sources of electricity generation in the country. Hence, it has a significant impact on lowering the overall tariff. Currently, Wapda owns and operates 22 hydel power stations with a cumulative installed capacity of 9459MW. Wapda is vigorously implementing a least-cost energy generation plan to enhance the share of hydel electricity in the national grid. Several mega projects are being constructed in the hydropower sector, scheduled to be completed from 2024 to 2028-29 in a phased manner. These projects will double the country’s installed generation capacity by adding about 10,000MW of clean, green and low-cost hydel electricity to the National Grid.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023