Hydel power stations supply 15b units in Q1

Surge in hydel generation helps save Rs50 billion

LAHORE:

Fiscal year 2023-24 is proving to be a promising year for hydel electricity generation in Pakistan as the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) supplied 15.002 billion units of hydel electricity to the national grid in the first quarter (July-September), marking a notable increase of 1.788 billion units compared with the same period of last year.

This surge in hydel generation helped the national exchequer save Rs50 billion, which otherwise would have been spent on generating the same quantum of electricity using expensive imported residual fuel oil (RFO), according to a statement issued on Thursday.

Among the major contributing factors were improved hydrology, efficient operation and maintenance of Wapda hydel power stations as well as resumption of electricity generation from Neelum Jhelum Hydel Power Station in August 2023.

Read Hydel power generation hits highest level in 2021

Details of Wapda hydel generation during the first quarter reveal contribution from various power stations. Notably, the Tarbela Hydel Power Station contributed 6,839.27 million units, Tarbela 4th Extension added 2,859.67 million units, Ghazi Barotha provided 2,229.24 million units, Mangla added 1,113.45 million units and Neelum Jhelum generated 707.62 million units.

Additionally, Warsak provided 317.66 million units, Chashma Hydel Power Station generated 270.27 million units and other hydel power stations under Wapda’s management contributed 664.97 million units.

Hydel generation is the most affordable and environment-friendly electricity in the country as its generation cost stands at about Rs3.51 per unit, against the uniform national average tariff, which is Rs42.95 per unit for consumers above 700 units.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20^th, 2023.

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