Wapda registers record 19.1 percent increase in hydel generation

LAHORE: The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) hydel power stations delivered record 4.434 billion units to the national grid in July as compared to 3.723 billion units of hydel electricity generated in July last year, showing an increase of 19.1 percent in hydel generation.
The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) hydel power stations delivered the highest-ever generation of hydel electricity in a month, constituting around 41 percent of the total electricity generated from all resources.
This was informed in a meeting of the authority held at the Wapda House on Monday, which was presided over by its Chairman Zafar Mahmood and attended by Member (Power) Badrul Munir Murtaza, General Manager (Hydel) Operation Syed Bashir Ahmad and other officers concerned.
The meeting was briefed that the hydel electricity delivered to the national grid during July registered an increase of 711 million units as compared to 3.723 billion units of hydel electricity generated in July last year, thus, showing 19.1 percent increase in hydel generation.
This additional contribution of hydel electricity by Wapda not only helped minimise load-shedding in the country during July, but also lowers power tariff.
In addition to the favourable hydrological conditions, effective operation and consistent maintenance of the hydel power stations are the main contributing factors behind this record hydel generation.
The meeting was also told that hydroelectric equipment across the world has a normal life span of 30 to 35 years on an average, but Wapda still successfully operates its hydel power stations, majority of which are far more older than their average life.
Despite ageing factor, Wapda hydel power stations are still capable to run at their maximum generation capacities. In high water months, Tarbela and Mangla are capable of delivering electricity more than their installed capacities.
During July this year, Tarbela generated up to 3,606MW against its installed capacity of 3,478MW, while Mangla up to 1,115MW against its installed capacity of 1,000MW.
The meeting was also informed that the foreign manufacturers of turbines, who use to visit Wapda hydel power stations, are surprised by the effective operation and maintenance of the hydel machinery.
In view of the dedication and commitment of Wapda hydel engineers and technicians for achieving optimum generation from the hydel power plants, the authority acknowledged their services and decided to issue commendation certificates in recognition of their outstanding performance.
Pakistan inherited two hydel power stations with cumulative generation capacity of only 10.7 megawatt (MW) at the time of independence in 1947, Sir Ganga Ram Hydel Power Station of 1.1MW commissioned in 1925 and Malakand Hydel Power Station of 9.6MW commissioned in 1937. Wapda contributes around 32 billion units of low-cost hydel electricity on an average to the national grid every year.
Wapda operates as many as 19 hydel power stations. The ageing factor of Wapda hydel power stations, which have outlived their average age, but still in operation, can be assessed from the fact that Sir Ganga Ram Hydel Power Station at Renal, the oldest of them, is 90 years of age, followed by 63-year-old Rasul and Dargai Hydel Power Stations, 57-year-old Kurram Garhi, 56-year-old Chichoki Mallian, 55-year-old Unit No 1 to 4 of Warsak, 54-year-old Shadiwal, 52-year-old Nandipur, 48-year-old Unit No 1 to 4 of Mangla, 41-year-old Unit No 5 and 6 of Mangla, 40-year-old Unit No 1 and 2 of Chitral, 38-year-old Unit No 1 to 4 of Tarbela, 34-year-old Unit No 7 and 8 of Mangla and Unit No 5 and 6 of Warsak, 33-year-old Unit No 5 to 8 of Tarbela and Unit No 3 and 4 of Chitral.