WAPDA generated 37bln units of hydropower in FY20-21

LAHORE: The hydel power stations of Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) cumulatively generated 37.147 billion units of low-cost and environment-friendly electricity during fiscal year 2020-21, ending June 30.

Hydropower generation by WAPDA was almost equal to that of fiscal year 2019-20 and 3.08 billion units more if compared with the average annual generation during the last 10 years.

According to WAPDA data, Tarbela Hydel Power Station generated 12.61 billion units, Tarbela 4th Extension 3.42 billion units, Ghazi Barotha 6.89 billion units, Mangla 5.40 billion units, and Neelum-Jhelum Hydel Power Station generated 4.79 billion units during FY2021/21.

Data showed that the rest of the generation ie 4.03 billion units - was contributed by other hydropower stations of WAPDA. Hydropower is the cheapest electricity produced in the country. That is why, it plays a pivotal role in economic and social development, as it stabilises the overall power tariff for consumers.

Its impact on the national economy can be gauged from the fact that WAPDA’s generation cost of hydropower stood merely at Rs2.82/unit, while generation cost from thermal sources was Rs13.14/unit on average during fiscal year 2020-21.

At present, WAPDA owns and operates 22 hydropower stations, including Neelum Jhelum, with cumulative installed generation capacity of 9,406 megawatt. It is pertinent to mention that WAPDA is vigorously implementing a least-cost energy generation plan to enhance the share of hydroelectricity in the national grid. A number of mega projects being constructed in the sector are scheduled to complete from 2023 to 2028-29.

These projects would double the installed hydropower generation capacity from 9,406MW to 20,591MW. Likewise, WAPDA’s contribution of green and clean hydroelectricity to the national grid would also increase from the existing 37 billion units to more than 81 billion units per annum.