WAPDA adds 8,158MW hydel power to grid

LAHORE:

The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has crossed the 8000 MW mark in hydel electricity generation, contributing 8158 MW to the national grid during peak hours last night. This achievement comes on the heels of the recent resumption of power generation from the 969 MW-Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project, further bolstering Pakistan’s energy supply.

The increased hydel generation can be attributed to the effective operation and maintenance of WAPDA’s hydel power stations and favourable hydrological conditions. Tarbela Hydel Power Station led the charge with 3478 MW, followed by Tarbela 4th Extension with 1410 MW, and Ghazi Barotha with 1450 MW. The Neelum Jhelum project contributed 798 MW, while Mangla added 305 MW to the grid. Other WAPDA hydel power stations collectively contributed 717 MW.

Importantly, hydel electricity generated by WAPDA remains the most cost-effective compared to other sources of power generation in Pakistan, with a cost of Rs3.51 per unit. This cost efficiency has a notable impact on reducing the overall tariff for consumers.

At present, WAPDA owns and operates 22 hydel power stations, with a combined installed capacity of 9459 MW.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2023.

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