The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) reported that the contribution of hydroelectric power delivered to the National Grid during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2019-20 surged to a historic level, as it provided 15.20 billion units of hydroelectricity to the system in July-September 2019.
WAPDA added about 1.85 billion units more compared with the corresponding period of the last fiscal, which stood at 13.34 billion units.
The record generation during the first quarter (July-September) was attributed to improved water flows, effective maintenance and effective operation of WAPDA’s power stations and through newly constructed hydropower projects –Neelum Jhelum and Tarbela 4th Extension in particular – which operated to their maximum power generation capacity.
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2019-20, Tarbela 4th Extension provided 2.83 billion units, while Neelum Jhelum contributed 1.42 billion units to the National Grid. Tarbela Power Station provided 6.31 billion units and Ghazi Barotha 2.28 billion units, while Mangla, Warsak and other hydropower stations owned and operated by WAPDA generated 2.34 billion units, totaling to 15.20 billion units.
WAPDA said this added contribution helped meet electricity needs in the country while also helping to stabilize the electricity tariff for the consumers.
Image: Tarbela power station and Tarbela 4th Extension power house, courtesy of WAPDA
