Efficient operations: Hydroelectric power production rises 18%

WAPDA delivers 4.7b units of cheap electricity to national grid

LAHORE: Water and Power Development Authority’s (Wapda) hydel power stations delivered about 4.731 billion units of low-cost electricity to the national grid during the third quarter (January-March) of the current fiscal year due to better hydrological conditions and efficient operation and maintenance of power stations.

The power generation showed an increase of 722 million units (18%) compared to the corresponding period of previous fiscal year. It has been achieved at a time when the country is in dire need of electricity supplies.

Wapda delivers on an average more than 31 billion units of hydroelectric power to the national grid every year. Hydroelectric power is a cheap and environment-friendly source of electricity that plays a pivotal role in stabilising electricity tariffs in the country.

According to data compiled by the Central Power Purchasing Agency about the cost of electricity generated from various sources in February 2016, hydroelectric power cost Rs1.83 per unit, which was far lower than the cost of electricity produced from other sources.

Gas-based electricity production cost Rs8.16 per unit, residual furnace oil cost Rs11.67, high-speed diesel Rs18.62, independent power producers Rs9.01, coal Rs12.16, nuclear power Rs7.53, wind power Rs14.40, biogas Rs11.79, solar power Rs22.55 and power import from Iran Rs10.50.

At present, Wapda’s hydel power generation capacity stands at 6,902 megawatts, which is about one-third of the total installed capacity in the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2016.

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