Hydroelectric power boosts by 7pc
The lower cost of power generation was primarily because of a decline in fuel prices, no use of furnace oil in power plants and higher contribution from the cheapest source - hydroelectric power. PHOTO: FILE
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) said it had a satisfying year for its hydropower and water sectors as it increased its low-cost, clean and green electricity generation by 7 per cent in 2023.
The power utility said in a statement that it achieved a major milestone during the outgoing year by generating 34 billion units of hydel electricity, up 2.2 billion units from the previous year.
This increased hydel generation helped the national exchequer save about Rs106 billion, the statement said.
Most importantly, WAPDA hydel electricity costs only Rs3.51 per unit and it constitutes about 30% of the total electricity provided to the National Grid.
WAPDA owns and operates 22 hydel power stations including Neelum Jhelum with a cumulative generation capacity of 9,459 Megawatt (MW).
Read WAPDA chairman reviews Diamer-Basha Dam Project diversion system
According to the generation details of 2023, Tarbela generated 12.9 billion units, Tarbela 4th Extension 4.4 billion units, Ghazi Barotha 6.8 billion units, Mangla 4.7 billion units, Neelum Jhelum 1 billion units, Warsak 0.8 billion units, Chashma 0.9 billion units, and rest of WAPDA hydel power stations cumulatively generated 2.5 billion units.
Moreover, the statement stated that the year 2023 also augured well for under-construction projects of WAPDA.
Despite the economic crunch, construction work on eight WAPDA projects continued unabated. “WAPDA achieved the landmark of river diversion at Dasu Hydropower Project in February 2023 by diverting River Indus at Diamer Basha Dam through test-run. WAPDA is likely to achieve the milestone of river diversion at the Mohmand Dam Project in the next three to four months.
The body is developing eight mega projects for water, food and energy security of the country. These projects are scheduled for completion from 2024 to 2028-29 in a phased manner.
On completion of these projects, 9.7 million acre-feet will be added to the gross water storage capacity. In addition, hydel generation of WAPDA will almost be doubled to 20,000 MW with an increase of approximately 10,000 MW in the next five years.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 31st, 2023