Second unit of Neelum-Jhelum starts power production

Project’s contribution to national grid will double in next few days

LAHORE: In what can be termed a significant development, the second unit of Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric power project has started generating power to its maximum capacity of 242.25 megawatts, which is being transmitted to the national grid.

As per contractual requirement, the second unit would be initially on a three-day and then on a 30-day reliability test run and would continue to generate power to its maximum capacity, said a statement issued on Tuesday.

Earlier, the project’s fourth unit was put into operation in April, which injected more than 1.3 million units of electricity into the system during test run. “However, some minor technical issues emerged, which have now been rectified by the contractor,” the statement said.



First unit, which was put on a 30-day reliability run on May 18, has successfully cleared the test. During this period, the unit provided electricity to its maximum capacity of 242.25MW to the national grid, injecting more than 200 million units into the system.

“The first unit will now be shut down for making minor adjustments before it is taken over by the Wapda,” the statement said.



The process may take about 10 days. After that, the contribution of Neelum-Jhelum project from both first and second units will double from 242.25MW to 484.50MW.



“Generating units of Neelum-Jhelum project are being completed according to the timelines and are passing through required tests in accordance with contractual obligations,” the statement said. The project has a cumulative generation capacity of 969MW through its four units with each having capacity of 242.25MW.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2018.

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