Pakistan generates an all-time high Hydel-based power during August 2019

• The viable energy source, which is cheaper and cleaner, reduces the reliance of the country on expensive oil-based power generation.
• The increase in hydel power generation was possible through the addition of new plants (Neelam-Jhelum and Tarbela 4th Extension) to the process.

Hydel Power generation in August (GWh)

An environment-friendly and inexpensive energy asset have a major contribution to the total energy mix. In August 2019, hydel energy production in Pakistan hit historic high at 5,668 GWh.

This massive production from the viable power source helped to reduce the usage of expensive oil-based generation power. The overall cost of production scraped by 13% to Rs 4.83 per unit.

Arif Habib Limited analyst Rao Amir Ali said that power production has hit the historic high.

Neelum-Jhelum and Tarbela 4th Extension Projects

The addition of the Neelum-Jhelum and Tarbela 4th Extension projects are the main source of rising hydel power generation. Both Neelum-Jhelum and Tarebeela plants were operational in August 2018 and October 2018 respectively.

Rains and improved water levels in the dam also play a significant role in achieving such massive productions.

An all-time high peak of total electricity generation at 40% has been also observed by the surge in hydroelectric power production.

“During the month, the share of hydel power generation rose to 40% compared to 32% in August 2018. In addition to this, the share of coal-based generation (another cheap source) increased to 13% compared to 10% in August 2018,” Ali said

In total power production, the percentage of oil production decreases to 4% as compared to 12% last year.

The government is planning to create electricity from inexpensive and sustainable energy sources. Some of the targets have been missed but overall production from the cheaper and cleaner coal has been increased.

Nonetheless, the change in energy mix helped control the expense of energy generation by practically 13% to Rs 4.83 per unit (kilowatt-hour) in August 2019 contrasted with Rs 5.55 per unit in August 2018.

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