Hydel Generation in FY 2023-24 Witnesses Substantial Increase

Staff Report

• WAPDA provides 15 billion units to National Grid during the first quarter of 2023-24

• WAPDA hydel generation increased by 1.788 billion units in July-Sep 2023-24

• The national exchequer saves Rs. 50 billion due to increased hydel generation

The fiscal year 2023-24 is turning out to be a good year for hydel electricity generation in Pakistan.

WAPDA provided 15.002 billion units of hydel electricity to the National Grid during the first quarter of the current fiscal (July-September) – an increase of 1.788 billion units in WAPDA hydel power generation when compared with the corresponding period last year.

This increased hydel generation helped the national exchequer save Rs. 50 billion, which had to be spent on generating the same quantum of electricity through expensive imported residual furnace oil (RFO).

Improved hydrology, efficient operation and maintenance of WAPDA hydel power stations, and resumption of electricity generation from Neelum Jhelum Hydel Power Station in August this year are the major contributing factors behind the increase in WAPDA hydel generation during the first quarter of fiscal year 2023-24. Sindh, Balochistan turn down wapda’s claim

Details of WAPDA hydel generation provided to the National Grid during first quarter of fiscal year 2023-24 show that Tarbela Hydel Power Station contributed 6839.27 million units, Tarbela 4th Extension 2859.67 million units, Ghazi Barotha 2229.24 million units, Mangla 1113.45 million units, Neelum Jhelum 707.62 million units, Warsak 317.66 million units and Chashma Hydel Power Station generated 270.27 million units.

While 664.97 million units were cumulatively generated by other hydel power stations of WAPDA.

WAPDA hydel generation is the most affordable and environment-friendly electricity in the country, as its generation cost stands at about Rs. 3.51 per unit, against the uniform national average determined tariff, which is Rs. 42.95 per unit for consumers above 700 units.

At present, WAPDA owns and operates as many as 22 hydel power stations including Neelum Jhelum.

WAPDA is vigorously implementing a least-cost energy generation plan to double its installed power generation capacity from 9500 MW to about 19500 MW by 2029 with phased completion of the under-construction mega projects including Diamer Basha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project, and Tarbela 5th Extension Project etc.