LAHORE - Wapda hydel power stations delivered 2.314 billion units of low-cost hydel electricity to the national grid in April and this was the highest-ever generation during the month so far, claimed authority’s spokesperson Wedneday.

According to the statistics, hydel electricity delivered to the national grid during April 2016 registered an increase of 912 million units if compared with 1.402 billion units of hydel electricity generated in April last year, thus, showing 39.4 per cent increase. This additional contribution of hydel electricity to the National Grid by WAPDA not only helped minimize loadshedding in the country during April but also lower power tariff. In addition to the increased water releases from Tarbela, Mangla and Chashma reservoirs on the indent of IRSA, effective operation and consistent maintenance of the hydel power stations are the main contributing factors behind this record hydel generation.

WAPDA delivers more than 31 billion units of hydel electricity to the National Grid every year on the average. Hydel is the cheapest, cleanest and environment-friendly source of electricity generation, which plays a pivotal role to stabilise electricity tariff in the country. According to the data of Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) regarding per unit cost of electricity generated from various sources in February 2016, it is Rs.1.83 for hydel, which is far lower than per unit cost of electricity generated form all other sources. In comparison to hydel electricity, it is Rs. 8.16 per unit for gas, Rs.11.67 for residual furnace oil (RFO), Rs.18.62 for high speed diesel (HSD), Rs. 9.01 from IPPs, Rs.12.16 for coal, Rs.7.53 for nuclear, Rs.14.40 for wind, Rs.11.79 for bio-gases, Rs. 22.55 for solar, and Rs. 10.50 per unit for electricity imported from Iran.

At present, WAPDA owns as many as 19 hydel power stations with cumulative generation capacity 6902 megawatt (MW), which is about one third of the total installed capacity in Pakistan. Hydroelectric equipment, the world over, has a normal life span of 30 to 35 years on the average, but WAPDA still successfully operates its hydel power stations, majority of which are far more old than their average life. Despite aging factor, WAPDA hydel power stations are still capable to be run at their maximum generation capacities. 

Meanwhile, China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC) Vice President Chen Xiaohua, who is currently on visit to Pakistan, yesterday called on Wapda Chairman Zafar Mahmood.  CGGC is the contractor for the 969 MW-Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHP).

A Wapda statement said underlining the significance of NJHP for overcoming power shortages in the country through least-cost hydel generation.

, WAPDA Chairman emphasized upon completion of the project in accordance with the revised schedule, which requires concerted efforts on part of the contractor and the project authorities.

He said that construction work on the project is progressing at a good pace on all three sites of the project. Expressing satisfaction over the progress achieved so far on the project, he said that CGGC is a reputed construction firm, adding that he is confident that the firm will fully utilize its expertise and resources for on-time completion of the project.

CGGC Vice President thanked WAPDA Chairman for his keen interest in resolving the matters relating to construction of the project. He assured WAPDA Chairman that CGGC will complete the project as per the revised schedule.

First generating unit of the project is expected to be completed in July 2017, whereas the remaining three units will come on line by the end of 2017 in various phases. Overall progress on the project stands at 80 percent. The progress on all three sites namely C1, C2 and C3 is 78 percent, 80 percent, and 83 percent respectively. Out of total 68.6 kilometers, 62 kilometers long tunnels have so far been excavated.