Wapda to generate 20,000MW power

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In his welcome address, Wapda Member (Power) Qasim Khan said that the increasing need for water and power in the country required consistent addition to the water storage and electricity generation capacities. He said that conservation of the both precious resources, direly needed for socio-economic uplift, was also vital in the current scenario. The Member (Power) also gave a run-down of the historical perspective vis-à-vis hydel and thermal power generation across the country.

Later in his formal presentation on water sector, Wapda General Manager (Hydro) Planning Hasnain Afzaal said that Wapda was implementing a comprehensive plan to increase water storage capacity and generate low-cost hydel electricity in the country. Under the plan, 17 large and three other medium-sized projects were being executed on priority. On completion, these projects will generate more than 20,000MW of electricity and store about 12MAF of water.  In addition, two mega canals and two drainage projects were also being constructed, he added.The delegation was informed that another 20 million acres of virgin land could be cultivated subject to availability of water. The delegation was briefed of the new initiatives of Wapda relating to canal lining, treatment of saline water, application of high efficiency irrigation system, inland water transportation etc.

PEPCO General Manager (Coordination & Monitoring) Zia-ur-Rehman, briefed the delegation about current situation of the power sector including the reasons for electricity load-shedding and measures being taken to mitigate power shortages, particularly power generation expansion plan. Referring to the electricity load management policy, he elaborated that the industrial sector was being exempted from load shedding to the maximum possible extent for economic growth.Later, Wapda Member (Power) and NDU delegation head exchanged souvenirs as memento to the visit.

End.