By Sudhir Chaudhry
In a significant leap towards sustainable energy, the financial year 2023-24, which concluded on June 30, marked a remarkable achievement in Pakistan’s hydel electricity generation.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has reported that its 22 hydel power stations collectively generated an impressive 34.436 billion units of electricity for the National Grid. This figure represents an increase of 3.266 billion units compared to the previous fiscal year, 2022-23.
This substantial growth in hydel power generation can be attributed to improved hydrological conditions and the efficient operation and maintenance of WAPDA’s hydel power stations. The additional 3.266 billion units of electricity produced not only bolstered the national energy supply but also resulted in significant economic savings. Had this volume of electricity been generated using imported furnace oil, the cost to the national exchequer would have been a staggering Rs. 143.7 billion.
Hydel power remains the most economical source of electricity in Pakistan. The cumulative installed generation capacity of WAPDA’s hydel power stations, including the Neelum Jhelum project, stands at approximately 9,500 MW. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) set the tariff for WAPDA’s hydel electricity at Rs. 3.81 per unit.
This cost-effective rate contributes significantly to the overall energy mix, with hydel power accounting for about 30% of the total electricity supplied to the National Grid. Consequently, this lowers the overall electricity tariff for consumers across the country.
A detailed breakdown of the generation figures reveals that the Tarbela Hydel Power Station led the way with 13.424 billion units. This was followed by the Tarbela 4th Extension, which contributed 4.672 billion units, and the Ghazi Barotha Hydel Power Station with 6.556 billion units. The Mangla Hydel Power Station generated 5.276 billion units, while the Neelum-Jhelum Hydel Power Station produced 762 million units. The remaining 3.747 billion units were generated by other WAPDA hydel power stations.
WAPDA is not resting on its laurels. The organization is vigorously implementing a least-cost energy generation plan aimed at increasing the share of hydel electricity in the National Grid. Several mega projects are currently under construction in the water and hydropower sectors, including the Diamer Basha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project, and the Tarbela 5th Extension.
These projects are scheduled for completion in a phased manner over the next four to five years. Once completed, they are expected to enhance WAPDA’s hydel generation capacity from the current 9,500 MW to a substantial 20,700 MW, adding approximately 11,200 MW of clean, green, and low-cost hydel electricity to the national grid.
This strategic expansion underscores WAPDA’s commitment to sustainable energy development and its pivotal role in Pakistan’s energy sector. Hydropower not only provides a renewable and environmentally friendly source of energy but also offers economic benefits by reducing the dependency on imported fuels and stabilizing electricity tariffs.
The focus on hydropower aligns with global trends toward renewable energy sources, addressing both environmental concerns and the economic challenges of energy production. The completion of these projects will not only meet the growing energy demands of Pakistan but also ensure energy security and contribute to the country’s economic stability.
The financial year 2023-24 has been a landmark period for Pakistan’s hydropower sector. The increased generation of clean, green, and cost-effective hydel electricity has provided a much-needed boost to the national grid and economic savings. With ongoing projects set to significantly expand capacity, WAPDA is well on its way to transforming Pakistan’s energy landscape, ensuring a sustainable and economically viable future for generations to come.
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