With the onset of the scorching summer, when the country looks for more power generation, the country braces for more shortage of power in the wake of the closure of the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project. The closure of hydraulic project, which is often dubbed as engineering marvel, has highlighted the concerns regarding the trustworthiness and maintenance of vital energy infrastructure in Pakistan. The project which cost Rs 500 billion and good 22 to be a functional project, has the capacity of generating 969 MW. The closure of the project for inspection protocols calls for placing preemptive measures to address technical deficiencies.
A press release issued by Wapda says the power project was closed down in the wake of frequent technical glitches, triggering the need to launch a thorough inspection in collaboration with international experts and project consultants. This proactive approach, though disruptive in the short term, is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability and efficiency of the hydropower facility.
The plant was closed after the emergence of a pressure issue in the head race tunnel in April, after a significance drop in pressure, leaving no option but to halt power generation on May 1. This will result in subsequent shortage of electricity amid rising demand due to the prevailing heat wave.
This is not the first time the tunneled project has faced closure, inspection and repair. One such closure was in July 2022 till July 2023 after cracks appeared in the tail race tunnel. The tunneled project is located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir at the confluence of Neelum and Jhelum rivers. When it was made functional in 2018, it was called a major project to meet Pakistan’s cheap energy demands. At a time when oil prices have escalated all over the world, Pakistan needs every single unit generated through green projects. With an estimated potential of 60,000 MW, hydropower projects hold immense promise for meeting Pakistan’s burgeoning energy needs sustainably and affordably.
The Neelum Jhelum power project’s closure is a warning that no matter a project is small or big, it should be made a perfection model. Also, the government needs to invest more in hydropower projects with sound infrastructure, so that water resources are used without any hassle for bolstering energy security. Our economic and mitigate reliance on costly imports.
