Neelum-Jhelum generation halved after tunnel malfunction

LAHORE: Electricity generation from the Neelum Jhelum Hydel Power Station has been restricted to 530 MW against the installed capacity of 969 MW due to decrease in Head Race Tunnel pressure on April 3.

Soon after observing malfunction of tunnel, precautionary measures have been taken to observe the behaviour of pressure fluctuation. Generation from the power station will be increased gradually after analysis and deliberations with the project consultants, according to a spokesperson of the Water & Power Development Authority (Wapda). The Neelum Jhelum Hydel Power Station remained on full generation of 969 MW from March 28, 2024. It is important to note that all possible maintenance has been carried out during the observation. This maintenance includes cleaning of trash racks installed at the intake gates in the reservoir, flushing of all three de-sanders, flushing of pressure gauge installed at the Power House and inspection of the spiral cases of the generating units. The Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project has a tunnel system comprising 51.5 kilometres. It is prudent to observe and monitor such a vast network. The project has so far generated 19.829 billion units of electricity since its commissioning in 2018, while 1.54 billion units since resumption of electricity generation after rehabilitation of a tail race tunnel in August last year.