Summary
- The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has restored the Gomal Zam Hydropower Station to its full generation capacity of 17.4 megawatts after eight years, synchronising both generating units with the national grid.
- With both units operational, the station can now produce about 90.9 million units of clean electricity annually, strengthening supply in South Waziristan, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and surrounding areas.
- The Gomal Zam Dam, completed in 2013, is a multi-purpose project with a gross water storage capacity of 1.14 million acre-feet.
The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has restored the Gomal Zam Hydropower Station to its full generation capacity of 17.4 megawatts after eight years, synchronising both generating units with the national grid.
Operations at the station had been reduced since October 2016 when a major technical fault forced both units offline. One unit was repaired in 2018, restoring half the capacity, but the second remained out of service until now.
Wapda launched a rehabilitation project in April 2026 at a cost of Rs359.5 million. Completed within 80 days, the project enabled the recommissioning of the second unit on June 25, 2026.
With both units operational, the station can now produce about 90.9 million units of clean electricity annually, strengthening supply in South Waziristan, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and surrounding areas. Officials said the restored units passed all mandatory technical and safety tests before being connected to the grid.
The Gomal Zam Dam, completed in 2013, is a multi-purpose project with a gross water storage capacity of 1.14 million acre-feet. It irrigates nearly 191,000 acres of farmland, contributes to flood mitigation and supports socio-economic development in the region.
Energy experts hailed the restoration as a significant achievement for Pakistan’s renewable energy sector, noting that it will enhance grid stability, reduce dependence on imported fuels and deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits.
