Neelum-Jhelum project to begin operations in Feb 2018

WAPDA chief visits site, reiterates hydropower project completion

LAHORE: The 969MW Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project is fast heading towards completion, as dry testing of electro-mechanical equipment installed at the power house and the switch yard is in progress, said Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman Muzammil Hussain during his visit to the site.

He was accompanied by the project CEO and other senior officials and consultants. Speaking on the occasion, he said that it is a matter of satisfaction that all critical activities on the project are being completed in accordance with the timelines, for which display of extra ordinary commitment and professional excellence is commendable.

"Wapda is looking towards power generation from the first unit of Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project in February 2018," said Hussain.

The chairman was briefed on the overall progress of the project, which stands at 95.4%. The dam has been substantially completed while reservoir impounding will commence in the first week of the month. The water way system for diverting water from the reservoir to the power house will be completed by end December 2017, whereas wet commissioning of the generating unit will start in February 2018.

The first unit of the project is scheduled to go into operation by end February 2018 followed by the second unit in mid-March and third and fourth units in April 2018. On its completion, the project will contribute about five billion units of electricity to the national grid annually. Annual revenue of the project is estimated to be Rs50 billion.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2017.

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