LAHORE: Fiscal year 2023-24, ended on June 30, proved a better year for green, clean and low-cost hydel electricity generation in Pakistan. As many as 22 hydel power stations of Wapda cumulatively provided 34.436 billion units of electricity to the national grid in 2023-24, which is 3.266 billion units more than that of fiscal year 2022-23.

Wapda achieved this additional hydel power generation because of the improved hydrology and effective operation and maintenance of its hydel power stations.

This increase in hydel generation by Wapda to the tune of 3.266 billion units helped save national exchequer an amount of Rs143.7 billion, if the same quantum of electricity had to be generated through imported furnace oil.

It is pertinent to note that the cumulative installed generation capacity of Wapda hydel power stations, including Neelum Jhelum, stands at about 9,500MW. Hydel generation is the most economical electricity, generated in the country. The tariff for fiscal year 2023-24 determined by NEPRA for Wapda hydel electricity is Rs3.81 per unit, which constitutes about 30% of the total electricity provided to the national grid. Therefore, it plays a vital role in lowering the overall tariff for the consumers.

According to the data, Tarbela Hydel Power Station generated 13.424 billion units, Tarbela 4th Extension 4.672 billion units, Ghazi Barotha 6.556 billion units, Mangla 5.276 billion units, and Neelum-Jhelum Hydel Power Station generated 762 million units. While, rest of the generation i.e. 3.747 billion units - was contributed by other hydel power stations of Wapda.

Wapda is vigorously implementing a least-cost energy generation plan to enhance the share of hydel electricity in the national grid. A number of mega projects are under construction in Water and Hydropower Sectors, including Diamer Basha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project and Tarbela 5th Extension etc. scheduled for completion in a phased manner. These projects will increase the Wapda hydel generation in the next four to five years from 9,500MW to 20,700MW with an addition of about 11,200MW clean, green, and low-cost hydel electricity.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024