The improved hydrology, efficient operation, and maintenance of WAPDA’s hydel power stations, along with the resumption of electricity generation from the Neelum Jhelum Hydel Power Station in August 2023, are the key contributing factors behind this increase in hydel generation during the first quarter of fiscal year 2023-24. This enhanced hydel generation has not only contributed to the national energy supply but has also resulted in substantial savings for the national exchequer, totaling Rs. 50 billion. This amount would have otherwise been spent on generating the same amount of electricity using expensive imported residual furnace oil (RFO).
WAPDA’s hydel generation is not only affordable but also environmentally friendly, with a generation cost of about Rs. 3.51 per unit. This stands in stark contrast to the uniform national average determined tariff, which is Rs. 42.95 per unit for consumers using more than 700 units.
Details of WAPDA hydel generation provided to the national grid during the first quarter of fiscal year 2023-24 are as follows:
- Tarbela Hydel Power Station contributed 6839.27 million units.
- Tarbela 4th Extension contributed 2859.67 million units.
- Ghazi Barotha contributed 2229.24 million units.
- Mangla contributed 1113.45 million units.
- Neelum Jhelum contributed 707.62 million units.
- Warsak contributed 317.66 million units.
- Chashma Hydel Power Station generated 270.27 million units.
- Other hydel power stations of WAPDA cumulatively generated 664.97 million units.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has successfully provided 15.002 billion units of hydel electricity to the national grid during the first quarter of the current fiscal year (July-September). This marks a significant increase of 1.788 billion units compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.
Currently, WAPDA owns and operates 22 hydel power stations, including the Neelum Jhelum Hydel Power Station. WAPDA is actively implementing a least-cost energy generation plan to double its installed power generation capacity from 9500 MW to approximately 19500 MW by 2029. This expansion will be achieved through the phased completion of several under-construction mega projects, including the Diamer Basha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project, and Tarbela 5th Extension Project.