Hydropower generation breaks records in 2023-24

WAPDA delivers additional 3.266 billion units of low-cost electricity to national grid

LAHORE:

The fiscal year 2023-24, which ended on June 30, marked a notable improvement in green, clean, and low-cost hydel electricity generation in Pakistan. The 22 hydel power stations of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) collectively provided 34.436 billion units of electricity to the National Grid, an increase of 3.266 billion units compared to the fiscal year 2022-23. This achievement was attributed to improved hydrology and the effective operation and maintenance of WAPDA’s hydel power stations.

The additional 3.266 billion units of hydel power generation saved the national exchequer Rs143.7 billion, which would have otherwise been spent on generating the same amount of electricity using imported furnace oil.

WAPDA’s hydel power stations, including Neelum Jhelum, have a combined installed generation capacity of approximately 9,500 MW. Hydel generation remains the most economical source of electricity in the country, with a tariff of Rs3.81 per unit for the fiscal year 2023-24 as determined by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). Hydel electricity accounts for about 30% of the total electricity supplied to the national grid, playing a crucial role in lowering the overall tariff for consumers.

According to the data, Tarbela Hydel Power Station generated 13.424 billion units, Tarbela 4th Extension produced 4.672 billion units, Ghazi Barotha delivered 6.556 billion units, Mangla contributed 5.276 billion units, and Neelum-Jhelum Hydel Power Station added 762 million units. The remaining 3.747 billion units were produced by other WAPDA hydel power stations.

Several mega projects are currently under construction in the water and hydropower sectors, including the Diamer Basha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project, and Tarbela 5th Extension. These projects are scheduled for completion in a phased manner over the next four to five years. Upon completion, these projects will boost WAPDA’s hydel generation capacity from 9,500 MW to 20,700 MW.