LAHORE – The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has generated 3.2 billion additional units of hydroelectricity during the period July 2010 to March 2011 compared with the corresponding period of last year. This increased generation was triggered by greater water availability in reservoirs, in addition to efficient operation and management of hydropower stations, said a press release issued by WAPDA.
This contribution of low-cost hydroelectricity, by WAPDA, to the national grid has helped in saving around Rs 35 billion, which would have been incurred on generating the equivalent quantum of electricity from thermal resources. Data revealed that, as many as 23.6 billion units of hydroelectricity were contributed from July 2010 to March 2011, while about 20.4 billion units were supplied during the same period last year.
Tarbela, the largest hydroelectric power station in the country, generated 12.3 billion units during July 2010 – March 2011 compared with 10.9 billion units last year. Similarly, Ghazi Bartoha, the second in line, produced 5.5 billion units against 4.8 billion units and Mangla, the third in row, 4.2 billion units against three billion units. Warsak and other power stations shared 1.6 billion units from July 2010 to March 2011 against almost the same quantum of electricity contributed during the corresponding period last year.
The installed capacity of hydroelectric power generation in the country stands at around 6,500 megawatt (MW) – about one third of the total installed capacity. WAPDA is executing a least-cost energy generation plan on priority basis with a view to improve the ratio of hydroelectricity in the National Grid. WAPDA will add 1,500MW to this capacity, through its’ under construction projects. Besides, it is also executing a number of mega hydropower projects with a cumulative capacity of over 20,000 MW.
