WAPDA’s Hydel Electricity Generation Crosses 8000 MW Mark    

• Tarbela Hydel Power Station stands at top with 3478 MW
• Hydel electricity generation, it remains the most cost-effective source of power

LAHORE: After the resumption of power generation from the 969 MW-Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project, WAPDA’s Hydel electricity generation crosses the 8000 MW mark, further bolstering Pakistan’s energy supply worth of 8158 MW to the national grid during peak hours last night.

This achievement by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has crossed the 8000 MW mark in hydel electricity generation, bolstering the efforts for clean and sustainable energy supply in county starved with power shortages.

WAPDA officials said the increased hydel generation can be attributed to the effective operation and maintenance of WAPDA’s hydel power stations and favourable hydrological conditions.

Major hydro dams for the hydel electricity generation were Tarbela Hydel Power Station that led the charge with 3478 MW, followed by Tarbela 4th Extension with 1410 MW, and Ghazi Barotha with 1450 MW.

And China-made, the Neelum Jhelum project contributed 798 MW, while Mangla added 305 MW to the grid. Other WAPDA hydel power stations collectively contributed 717 MW.

As regards the cost for hydel electricity generation, it remains the most cost-effective source of power 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, according to experts.

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

Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is national body dedicated for development and maintenance of water and power resources of the country.

By: M.A

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