In what can be termed historic development, hydel electricity generation from the hydel power stations owned and operated by the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) rose to 6884 megawatt (MW) during the peak hours Tuesday, which is highest ever hydel electricity generation in Pakistan. Previously, the record hydel electricity to the tune of 6813 MW was generated on September 14, 2013.
This record hydel electricity generation is the result of efficient operation and maintenance of WAPDA hydel power stations, better hydrological conditions and IRSA's indent for release of water from reservoirs in accordance with provinces' demand for irrigation. Chairman WAPDA has congratulated the management of all hydel power stations and asked them to keep up the hard work which has made this record possible.
The historic hydel generation yesterday registered an increase of about 2000 MW as compared to 4892 MW during the corresponding day last year. As per details of the record hydel power generation, Tarbela Hydel Power Station generated 3598 MW against its installed capacity of 3478 MW, Ghazi Barotha Hydel Power Station generated 1450 MW against its installed capacity of 1450 MW and Mangla Hydel Power Station generated 1115 MW against its installed capacity of 1000 MW. Rest of the electricity was contributed by other WAPDA hydel power stations including Warsak, Chashma and Jinnah etc.
It is pertinent to mention that hydel power generation capacity of WAPDA stands at 6902 MW - about one third of the total installed capacity in the country. It is a matter of great satisfaction that despite some of hydel power stations being as old as 50 years, the generation capacity of WAPDA has stayed intact due to proper upkeep of these stations. With this installed capacity, WAPDA contributes about 31 billion units on the average per annum to the National Grid.