Energy needs: Neelum Jhelum project starts generation

LAHORE: Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project has started providing electricity on a trial basis. The first unit is contributing 60 megawatts to the national grid and will start generating electricity to its full capacity, 242 megawatts, in next two days.

The project, located in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, is scheduled to be inaugurated on April 13. It has four units with a cumulative generation capacity of 969 megawatts. While the first unit has started electricity generation, the second, third and fourth units will do so at one month interval each.

The project is being called an engineering marvel with 90% of the plant being underground in the high mountainous areas. It also consists of three main components which are a dam, water-way system with 52 km long tunnels, and an underground power house. The project will provide low-cost hydel electricity, with annual benefits of the project estimated at Rs50 billion.

For optimal utilisation of water and hydropower resources in the country, Wapda has been implementing a two-pronged strategy for the purpose. Under the strategy, not only the under-construction projects are being completed in the shortest possible time but new projects are also being initiated in both water and hydropower sectors.