LAHORE – The 969-MW Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project is all set to resume electricity generation by the end of this month, as restoration works in the tail race tunnel of the project are nearing completion.
Chairman WAPDA Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd) visited Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project today to review the restoration works carried out for strengthening the tail race tunnel and preparedness level relating to resumption of power generation.
Chief Executive Officer, Project Director, Consultants and Contractors were also present during the visit.
The project’s restoration team briefed the Chairman that the task of concrete lining in collapsed area of the tail race tunnel has been accomplished.
In addition, rest of the affected portions in 3.5 km-long tunnel have also been strengthened through lattice girder, rock bolting and concrete.
Sweeping and cleanliness of the tail race tunnel will commence during the next week. Afterwards, pressurization i.e. filing of water in the tail race tunnel will be started, which will lead to electricity generation from the project.
The Chairman directed the project team to adhere, in letter and spirit, to the standard operating procedure (SOP) and the guidelines made by the international experts for pressurization of tail race tunnel and smooth resumption of power generation from the project.
Neelum Jhelum is a run-of-the-river hydropower project which started electricity generation in April 2018.
Prior to suspension of electricity generation due to collapse of a part of its tail race tunnel last year, the project had provided more than 18 billion units of electricity to the National Grid.
