ISLAMABAD – 2019 is a historic year for the development of water andhydropower resources in Pakistan, as a record amount of hydel electricitywas supplied to the national grid during the year.
In addition, after almost five decades the construction work on Mohmand Damwas started in May this year.
The hydel power stations owned and operated by WAPDA provided 34.678billion units of hydel electricity – highest-ever – to the system in 2019.This quantum of generation is 6.321 billion units higher compared with lastyear i.e. 28.357 billion units.
The optimal operation of three hydropower projects, completed last year,proved to be a good omen for hydel generation in the country since theseprojects alone generated 9.372 billion units cumulatively during theiroperation in 2019.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of electricity produced by each project:
– 4.741 billion units from Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project. – 4.519 billion units from the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project. – 0.111 billion units from Golen Gol Hydropower Project. – Tarbela Hydel Power Stations produced 10.831 billion units. – Ghazi Barotha 6.594 billion units. – Mangla 4.005 billion units. – Others 3.986 billion units.
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Hydropower is known to be the cheapest and most environment-friendly sourceof electricity. The contribution of WAPDA’s hydel electricity to the systemhelped the country meet the electricity needs and stabilize the electricitytariff for the consumers during the year.
In addition to record hydel electricity generation in 2019, WAPDA alsosucceeded in achieving vital targets for the construction of mega-dams toavert looming water crises in the country.
In this regard, the construction of Mohmand Dam commenced on May 2, 2019.Mohmand Dam is the first mega multi-purpose dam project undertaken duringthe last 51 years after Tarbela Dam, construction of which was started wayback in 1968.
Similarly, the evaluation of bids for consultancy services as well as theconstruction work of the Diamer Basha Dam is almost complete. Constructionof this mega project is likely to start in the next two months.
