Introduction

Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is a government-owned organization in Pakistan that is responsible for developing and managing the country's water and power resources. The organization was established in 1958 and has since been involved in the development of various renewable energy projects in the country. One of the key areas of focus for WAPDA is the development of small hydro projects.

Small Hydro Projects

Small hydro projects refer to the development of hydroelectric power plants that have a capacity of less than 10 MW. These projects are usually constructed on small rivers or streams that have a low flow rate. The development of small hydro projects is an important area of focus for WAPDA as it provides a sustainable source of energy that is environmentally friendly.

WAPDA has been involved in the development of small hydro projects since the 1960s. The organization has constructed several small hydro projects across the country, which have a combined capacity of over 150 MW. Some of the notable small hydro projects developed by WAPDA include the Khan Khwar Hydropower Project, the Jinnah Hydropower Project, and the Duber Khwar Hydropower Project.

Khan Khwar Hydropower Project

The Khan Khwar Hydropower Project is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and has a capacity of 72 MW. The project was commissioned in 2010 and is one of the largest small hydro projects developed by WAPDA. The project utilizes the water from the Khan Khwar River to generate electricity.

The project consists of a diversion weir, a headrace tunnel, a surge shaft, a penstock, and a powerhouse. The water from the river is diverted through the diversion weir and then transported to the powerhouse through the headrace tunnel. The water then passes through the turbine, which generates electricity. The electricity is then transmitted to the national grid through a transmission line.

Jinnah Hydropower Project

The Jinnah Hydropower Project is located in Punjab province and has a capacity of 96 MW. The project was commissioned in 2013 and is one of the largest small hydro projects developed by WAPDA. The project utilizes the water from the Jhelum River to generate electricity.

The project consists of a diversion weir, a headrace tunnel, a surge shaft, a penstock, and a powerhouse. The water from the river is diverted through the diversion weir and then transported to the powerhouse through the headrace tunnel. The water then passes through the turbine, which generates electricity. The electricity is then transmitted to the national grid through a transmission line.

Duber Khwar Hydropower Project

The Duber Khwar Hydropower Project is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and has a capacity of 130 MW. The project was commissioned in 2017 and is one of the largest small hydro projects developed by WAPDA. The project utilizes the water from the Duber Khwar River to generate electricity.

The project consists of a diversion weir, a headrace tunnel, a surge shaft, a penstock, and a powerhouse. The water from the river is diverted through the diversion weir and then transported to the powerhouse through the headrace tunnel. The water then passes through the turbine, which generates electricity. The electricity is then transmitted to the national grid through a transmission line.

Benefits of Small Hydro Projects

Small hydro projects provide several benefits to the country. Some of the key benefits of small hydro projects include:

1. Environmentally Friendly: Small hydro projects are environmentally friendly as they do not produce any greenhouse gas emissions. This makes them an ideal source of energy for countries that are looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

2. Sustainable: Small hydro projects are a sustainable source of energy as they utilize the natural flow of water to generate electricity. This means that they do not rely on non-renewable resources like fossil fuels.

3. Cost-Effective: Small hydro projects are cost-effective as they have a low operating cost. This makes them an ideal source of energy for countries that are looking to reduce their energy costs.

4. Reliable: Small hydro projects are reliable as they can operate continuously throughout the year. This means that they can provide a consistent source of energy to the national grid.

Conclusion

WAPDA is a government-owned organization in Pakistan that is responsible for developing and managing the country's water and power resources. The organization has been involved in the development of small hydro projects since the 1960s. WAPDA has constructed several small hydro projects across the country, which have a combined capacity of over 150 MW. Small hydro projects provide several benefits to the country, including being environmentally friendly, sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable.