The installed capacity of hydropower plants owned and operated by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is around 9,538-MW. There are 21 power stations--- large, medium and small. In the year 2019, these power stations achieved the highest-ever electricity generation, having delivered 34.678 billion units (kWh) of energy to the national grid, despite various technical constraints.
Currently, WAPDA is in the process of hiring consultants for Capacity Enhancement Project of Chitral Hydel Power station from the existing 1-MW to 5-MW. Chitral powerhouse was completed in two phases in 1975 and 1982. AFD has committed to finance the project under soft loan program.
Renala hydropower — the oldest power station in the country — was commissioned in March 1925. Located on Lower Bari Doab Canal, in Okara District, it has five turbo-generators of total 1.1-MW capacity, and all its units have been in operation since then. After rehabilitation and refurbishment, there is a potential to enhance the power station’s capacity up to 4.4-MW, utilizing full available water discharge. In fact, the existing 1.1-MW powerhouse will be maintained after rehabilitation, and a new power plant of 4.4-MW will be constructed at site.
On completion, the powerhouse will generate 25.6 GwH annually, almost four times its existing power generation. The up-rated project will also involve remodeling of existing power channel off-taking from the canal, and the construction of new spillways. For the purpose, additional land acquisition from the Government of Punjab is in process. The project’s feasibility has been finalized by WAPDA, PC-1 is approved, and financing arrangement is in hand. Total cost of the project is estimated at $16.2 million.
WAPDA also has plans to modernize and rehabilitate the 3.5-MW Kurram Garhi hydel power station which is located on Kuchkot Canal in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and was constructed in 1958. On completion of the project, the power house capacity will be enhanced to 5-MW, capable of generating 37 GWh energy. Consultants for detailed engineering & design and construction supervision are to be appointed shortly.