WAPDA generates 8158 MW Hydel Electricity during peak hours
After resumption of power generation from 969 MW-Neelum Jhelum Hydropower
Project couple of days ago, electricity generation by WAPDA hydel power stations
crossed 8000 MW mark, as WAPDA contributes 8158 MW to the National Grid during
peak hours last night. Effective operation and maintenance of WAPDA hydel power
stations and better hydrological conditions are the other contributing factors behind this
increase in WAPDA hydel generation.
Statistics show that Tarbela Hydel Power Station generated 3478 MW, Tarbela 4th
Extension 1410 MW, Ghazi Barotha 1450 MW, Neleum Jhelum 798 MW, Mangla 305
MW, While all other hydel power stations of WAPDA contributed 717 MW cumulatively.
Hydel electricity by WAPDA is the cheapest if compared with other sources of
generation in Pakistan as the cost of WAPDA hydel generation stands at Rs.3.51 per
unit. Therefore, it has a significant impact on lowering the overall tariff.
At present, WAPDA owns and operates 22 hydel power stations with cumulative
installed capacity of 9459 MW. WAPDA is vigorously implementing a least-cost energy
generation plan to enhance share of hydel electricity in the National Grid. A number of
mega projects are being constructed in hydropower sector scheduled to be completed
from 2024 to 2028-29 in a phased manner. These projects will double the installed
generation capacity of country with addition of about 10,000 MW clean, green and low-
cost hydel electricity to the National Grid.
