5000W waiting to be generated through fast paced hydro electric power plants throughout Punjab

[MHAMZA]

Why have we lost so much time !!!
For the past ten years we have wasted time and not invested in hydro power projects in Punjab, we have setup coal and gas based power plants but not a single hydro electric power plant of any considerable power generation capacity.
Punjab alone has the potential to generate 5000MW of free electricity and our previous Governments have signed contracts that will cost us 4 Billion USD per year in high tariffs from Coal and Gas powered IPPs!!!!
Time to act now and setup all the run of the canal hydro power projects for which sites and feasibility studies are complete !!

Sad to read the following articles from 2008 and 2010
https://www.dawn.com/news/967591
https://www.dawn.com/news/314809

If we are able to Generate 5000MW from small and medium run of the canal Power projects of 5MW to 50MW , the Punjab Gov can earn 100 Billion Rupees per year!
It is estimated that it will require a sum of 700 Billions ... this amount was squandered away by the previous Punjab Gov in Laptop scheme(150-175billion), Orange Line Train(100-150 Billion) and Metro projects (160-200 billion) !!!!!!

That's not even half of the story!
High electricity rates has caused small manufacturing units to become unfeasible and lot of manufacturing units have shut down particularly in Textiles sector.
If we can supply Electricity at 5 rupees per unit to the industry we can easily exceed our growth targets and exponentially increase our exports..
Rough estimates indicate that if only half i.e 2500 MW of this hydro electricity is sold to the industry at 5/unit we can create 250,000 jobs !!!!


How easy is it to setup and maintain a run of the canal power plant ...???
An individual in 1925 yes 1925 setup a 1 MW Run of the canal Power plant in Punjab!!

Now Ganga Power Station Is Named as Relala Hydel Power Station Renala Khurd. It has been producing FREE electricity for close to a 100 years!!!
Anyone from Lahore and go check this out...
Question is what was possible for an individual in 1925 has not been possible for the Gov of Pakistan!!!!!!

No patwari or jiyala has been able to give a satisfactory answer yet, now lets see what out insafi brothers will have to say ..If sadly nothing is done to replicate this 1925 power house all over Punjab ....

New Punjab Gov should go all out and start building these power plants... it will herald a new era of progress and prosperity .. only for 700 Billion rupees .... comparing this amount with the current 1000 Billion Plus Circular debt we can safely say it will be money very very well spent !!!!

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/05/06/circular-debt-surpasses-rs1000-billion/

 

[Notpersonal]

Previous governments priority were kickbacks , not the betterment or prosperity of Peoples.

 

[Citizen X]

For the past ten years we have wasted time and not invested in hydro power projects in Punjab

You\re kidding right? You remember who was in power back then right?

 

[MHAMZA]

You\re kidding right? You remember who was in power back then right?

It is my way of taking stock so we get down to business ASAP... the potential indentified for Punjab is in fact 6000MW !!!
AND IN 1995-1996 WAPDA was stopped from execution of power projects and thereafter it was supposed that investors will do these projects and we were gifted the IPPs and Circular debt which has exceeded 1000 Billions as of now !!!!!!

 

[MHAMZA]

I wish we had more Ganga Rams than .. Sharifs and Bhuttos ...

 

[tahirmajid]

Why there is too much load shedding just after mid August? Where from electricity was coming in June and July? Feels something fishy? PTI government should notice this situation immediately. NowNowadays Nowadays there is hourly load shedding after every one hour there is load shedding. This is too bad. Where the authorities are sleeping ?

 

[MHAMZA]

Why there is too much load shedding just after mid August? Where from electricity was coming in June and July? Feels something fishy? PTI government should notice this situation immediately. NowNowadays Nowadays there is hourly load shedding after every one hour there is load shedding. This is too bad. Where the authorities are sleeping ?

Brother it is because of non payment of dues to the Power Plants by the distribution companies which result in the non payment of dues to the fuel supplying companies which result in a colossal 1000 Billion Circular Debt !!! Just one of the small gifts from previous government ..
Since fuel is imported we need USDsssss lots of USDssss and since we purchase power from these private companies at greater price and sell to consumers at subsidized rates, Gov has to fill the gap with more USDsss since these companies are foreign owned and allowed to repatriate their profits out of Pakistan in USDssss so in the end we need more USDssss

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/05/06/circular-debt-surpasses-rs1000-billion/

 

[Eyeaan]

brothers will have to say ..If sadly nothing is done to replicate this 1925 power house all
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/05/06/circular-debt-surpasses-rs1000-billion/

Policies are to be based on relative costs. In terms of policy canal/running water power generation shouldn't have priority. Compared to the mini/small/large dam, canal/running-water generation is neither cost effective nor desirable. They have high relative installation costs, large maintenance cost and of course do not provide the added water storage. Canals are for irrigation, running seasonally, sometimes only for weeks. Average yearly yield of a large dam lies between 60-70% of installation capacity because of maintenance and full water for the generators is seldom available; water is released only when it is needed for irrigation. Thus real yeald/installation capacity ratio from the canals would be much less compared to that for the dams. Further such generators add another factor/incentive to the matrix of water distribution upstream on the dam. That's why we keep on hearing about these hydropower potentials, but when decisions are made, small dam (or even better large dams) win easily. The hydropower in our northern areas (in KP) on the small streams glacial waters is a different story; those are cost effective with an added saving on the transmission cost and many times for environmental/groundwater benefits.
Currently our priority should be at least one large dam (primarily for water storage + additional benefits of power generation) or small dams. Also IMO there is no good reason for a policy of hydropower generations in Punjab until the site is justified primarily on the rains (maybe in Sialkot area). There might be some such sites in plains but I'm not aware of, However there are several seasonal rain fed nullas on the other side of the Indus in Punjab which may be used for power generation (with small seasonal mini-dams) and IMO we should opt for those locations, since there are added benefits besides the power with mini-dams.
There are two sites available for mid/large size dams in Punjab besides Kalabagh, however, if Kalabagh is out, the large dams in nothern areas have much priority as that fits well with our current water distribution system.
If we really want to invest on water resources in Punjab, we should rather concentrate on (1) groundwater management, (2) crop management, (3) field leveling /drip and sprinklers, (4) canal lining, and (5) pakka watercourses (in this sequence)+ agriculture research on war footing+ a network of small ponds/talaabs (such as for fisheries) in our villages to save rainwater and manage groundwater. Punjab provides food for the whole country and here we should focus our water for crops generation.

If we are looking for the alternative sources of energy, solar power is the way to go (keeping in mind that yearly average yield of solar field is 15-18% of the install capacity. and solar power cannot fulfill the baseload). All talk about solar panels on roofs etc. in the settled areas and cities is futile and waste, that's not cost effective. For solar, large fields are cost effective (and can be setup only in 16-20 weeks from start to the end). However, if resources are avaiable, I will opt for the nuclear power for the baseload, ignoring all environmental concerns. IMO that is the best option but perhaps it not presently affordable. I wish we had used CPEC loans for nuclear plants instead of coal plants (bearing load shedding longer for two or less years because setup of a nuclear plant takes years).

 

[Awan S]

Well, Punjab has very small potencial of hydropower and actual one is in KPK. Now that under 18th amendment every province is independent since 2011; has previous KPK government produced any hydropower in KPK ? Dont forget Punjab government produced over 5000 MV from their own projects in previous government.

 

[shafali]

Policies are to be based on relative costs. In terms of policy canal/running water power generation shouldn't have priority. Compared to the mini/small/large dam, canal/running-water generation is neither cost effective nor desirable. They have high relative installation costs, large maintenance cost and of course do not provide the added water storage. Canals are for irrigation, running seasonally, sometimes only for weeks. Average yearly yield of a large dam lies between 60-70% of installation capacity because of maintenance and full water for the generators is seldom available; water is released only when it is needed for irrigation. Thus real yeald/installation capacity ratio from the canals would be much less compared to that for the dams. Further such generators add another factor/incentive to the matrix of water distribution upstream on the dam. That's why we keep on hearing about these hydropower potentials, but when decisions are made, small dam (or even better large dams) win easily. The hydropower in our northern areas (in KP) on the small streams glacial waters is a different story; those are cost effective with an added saving on the transmission cost and many times for environmental/groundwater benefits.
Currently our priority should be at least one large dam (primarily for water storage + additional benefits of power generation) or small dams. Also IMO there is no good reason for a policy of hydropower generations in Punjab until the site is justified primarily on the rains (maybe in Sialkot area). There might be some such sites in plains but I'm not aware of, However there are several seasonal rain fed nullas on the other side of the Indus in Punjab which may be used for power generation (with small seasonal mini-dams) and IMO we should opt for those locations, since there are added benefits besides the power with mini-dams.
There are two sites available for mid/large size dams in Punjab besides Kalabagh, however, if Kalabagh is out, the large dams in nothern areas have much priority as that fits well with our current water distribution system.
If we really want to invest on water resources in Punjab, we should rather concentrate on (1) groundwater management, (2) crop management, (3) field leveling /drip and sprinklers, (4) canal lining, and (5) pakka watercourses (in this sequence)+ agriculture research on war footing+ a network of small ponds/talaabs (such as for fisheries) in our villages to save rainwater and manage groundwater. Punjab provides food for the whole country and here we should focus our water for crops generation.

If we are looking for the alternative sources of energy, solar power is the way to go (keeping in mind that yearly average yield of solar field is 15-18% of the install capacity. and solar power cannot fulfill the baseload). All talk about solar panels on roofs etc. in the settled areas and cities is futile and waste, that's not cost effective. For solar, large fields are cost effective (and can be setup only in 16-20 weeks from start to the end). However, if resources are avaiable, I will opt for the nuclear power for the baseload, ignoring all environmental concerns. IMO that is the best option but perhaps it not presently affordable. I wish we had used CPEC loans for nuclear plants instead of coal plants (bearing load shedding longer for two or less years because setup of a nuclear plant takes years).

Very useful article. I'd add that, from security of supply perspective, you need a mix of generation. Also, I understand that the current network needs to be upgraded to connect extra generation; in the short-term, roof-top solar panels is not a bad idea as the resulting generation, albeit small, doesn't use an already constrained network.

 

[Eyeaan]

Well, Punjab has very small potencial of hydropower and actual one is in KPK. Now that under 18th amendment every province is independent since 2011; has previous KPK government produced any hydropower in KPK ? Dont forget Punjab government produced over 5000 MV from their own projects in previous government.

It is one country with free trade and open borders. Independence for investment or 18th amendment does not mean we must invest in a sector which is not optimal for a region. Punjab should invest in agriculture and water resources, and in saving its fertile lands to reap the maximum benefits. If Punjab must have to invest in power sector, it can invest in AJK and KP, why not! The coal projects have not helped Punjab in the long run as the industry in Punjab has become less competitive because of expensive energy input.
Why Punjab cannot give incentives to industry to move at AJK and KP borders than to erect coal power-plants for industry right along the large cities. People and industries move towards the natural resources, especially water and power, not the other way round.

National planning asks for cooperation than for competition and for a long-term view, not just nationally but globally as well. For example, we waste much of our water in producing sugarcane, (especially Sind), which besides waste results in water-logging and salinity, which we have to control with further costs. Our sugar industry is a net national loss. In the long run how and why we are to sustain this crop while Caribbean countries produce sugar almost free of cost of water and we can buy from them at lesser costs as most of the world do. (It is about three decades that PCRWR is asking to phase out sugar industry because it is not sustainable but the political master, only to reap cash-crop profits, have acted the opposite. Similarly Dr. Aasim allowed to use gas to manufacture fertilizer, which resulted in a huge oil import bills with 400 billion loss.

 

[FahadBhatti]

For the last 5 years the government was hell bent on installing thermal power plant which were costly both for environment and consumers , pakistans electricity tarrif is highest in the region because of that and that has hit our exports badly (cost of doing business is very high). Pakistan ko load shedding se nijaat ka dawaa kerne waalon ne businesses aur exports ko andheri khaaion mein phenk dia he. Buhat zulm kia he pichli dono hakoomton ne

 

[Eyeaan]

Very useful article. I'd add that, from security of supply perspective, you need a mix of generation. Also, I understand that the current network needs to be upgraded to connect extra generation; in the short-term, roof-top solar panels is not a bad idea as the resulting generation, albeit small, doesn't use an already constrained network.

My comment about Rooftop solar panels is not about good or bad idea but about the national policy.
A country with hot weather and enough land would adopt a policy for cost effective energy for which IMO is the harves at solar fields. (Though I agree there are 2 benefits of roof-top: First lesser loads on transmission lines (especially in cities where the lines are over-burdened, and second a reliable supply at least for a part of a day for the consumer).
For the far flung or remote areas solar energy is the best solution or sometimes the only viable solution.
Rooftop solar panel are not yet quite economical in US/Canada because of costs of installation, maintenance and lifetime. However, for the rich countries, the considerations are different, In pak, solar panels are billed to the foreign reserves - so we have to decide where and how we should install and maintain them and the national police should accordingly reflect in intensives and taxes. If Rooftop were the best, we'd subsidies and help home owner otherwise help the industry or state to harvest it in the field.

Another related example: when Pak was hit by load-shedding (because of shortage of reserves), it responded by UPS and home generators (bought by the reserves). UPS caused further energy losses lessening the net available energy. Generators led to less efficient generation with imported inputs. Thus the introduction of UPS and generators in the system rather weakened the systen even more. That's when national policy had to play a role, planning for proper and optimal incentive with proper accounting the net costs.

 

[MHAMZA]

Policies are to be based on relative costs. In terms of policy canal/running water power generation shouldn't have priority. Compared to the mini/small/large dam, canal/running-water generation is neither cost effective nor desirable. They have high relative installation costs, large maintenance cost and of course do not provide the added water storage. Canals are for irrigation, running seasonally, sometimes only for weeks. Average yearly yield of a large dam lies between 60-70% of installation capacity because of maintenance and full water for the generators is seldom available; water is released only when it is needed for irrigation. Thus real yeald/installation capacity ratio from the canals would be much less compared to that for the dams. Further such generators add another factor/incentive to the matrix of water distribution upstream on the dam. That's why we keep on hearing about these hydropower potentials, but when decisions are made, small dam (or even better large dams) win easily. The hydropower in our northern areas (in KP) on the small streams glacial waters is a different story; those are cost effective with an added saving on the transmission cost and many times for environmental/groundwater benefits.
Currently our priority should be at least one large dam (primarily for water storage + additional benefits of power generation) or small dams. Also IMO there is no good reason for a policy of hydropower generations in Punjab until the site is justified primarily on the rains (maybe in Sialkot area). There might be some such sites in plains but I'm not aware of, However there are several seasonal rain fed nullas on the other side of the Indus in Punjab which may be used for power generation (with small seasonal mini-dams) and IMO we should opt for those locations, since there are added benefits besides the power with mini-dams.
There are two sites available for mid/large size dams in Punjab besides Kalabagh, however, if Kalabagh is out, the large dams in nothern areas have much priority as that fits well with our current water distribution system.
If we really want to invest on water resources in Punjab, we should rather concentrate on (1) groundwater management, (2) crop management, (3) field leveling /drip and sprinklers, (4) canal lining, and (5) pakka watercourses (in this sequence)+ agriculture research on war footing+ a network of small ponds/talaabs (such as for fisheries) in our villages to save rainwater and manage groundwater. Punjab provides food for the whole country and here we should focus our water for crops generation.

If we are looking for the alternative sources of energy, solar power is the way to go (keeping in mind that yearly average yield of solar field is 15-18% of the install capacity. and solar power cannot fulfill the baseload). All talk about solar panels on roofs etc. in the settled areas and cities is futile and waste, that's not cost effective. For solar, large fields are cost effective (and can be setup only in 16-20 weeks from start to the end). However, if resources are avaiable, I will opt for the nuclear power for the baseload, ignoring all environmental concerns. IMO that is the best option but perhaps it not presently affordable. I wish we had used CPEC loans for nuclear plants instead of coal plants (bearing load shedding longer for two or less years because setup of a nuclear plant takes years).

Brother the 6000MW potential as discussed by me is Punjab specific and highly feasible, most of them are based on perennial canals, that run all year around. Costs is considerably less than Dam construction since only Generation and Transmission are major components where as Civil works costs as compared to Dams is quite less.
Plus these projects can be executed in maximum of two years and there after start paying back .. where as it may take upto 10 years for a major Dam to come online ...
What I have suggested is for Punjab and maybe Sindh ...
No doubt Federal Gov should focus on large DAMs .. but for Punjab Gov, need of the day is to harness hydro Power that is easily implementable in the duration of 5 years.
The feasibility reports of these projects indicate contrary to what you have given as drawbacks for them .... these projects are low cost, short time of execution, 5-6 years payback period and low maintenance as well...

Reasons given by you have been used to shelf these projects and opened the way for coal fired and RLNG based power-plants !!!!
Which has resulted in high tariffs, environmental pollution and huge circular debts and mass scale closure of industry

Bottom line is run of the canal power projects are feasible and can help turnaround the economy in the shortest possible time .. every project comes with its challenges .. does not mean you brush it aside so casually ....
Make a few of them at-least maybe 20 to 100 units totaling 1000 MW only .. then we can be in a better position to conclude which is better...