The Neelum Jhelum Hydel Power Station, a major source of clean and affordable electricity in Pakistan, will undergo a scheduled closure from January 10th for a crucial inspection of its 3.5-kilometer tailrace tunnel. This proactive maintenance measure aims to ensure the station's long-term performance and reliability. According to the spokesperson, taking advantage of the current low-water flow season, officials have chosen this period to minimize any disruption to the national grid. WAPDA, the state-owned power utility, emphasizes that during January, the station typically generates an average of 90MW, meaning the temporary shutdown will only impact a small portion of the national power supply. This inspection holds particular significance considering the station's recent history. In August 2023, after being offline for a year due to a technical fault, the station resumed operations.

The initial technical failure, which involved cracks in a tunnel, caused transmission of the station's full 969MW capacity to be halted, resulting in significant financial losses. By prioritizing preventive maintenance now, WAPDA seeks to avoid similar costly outages in the future. The thorough inspection of the tailrace tunnel, a key component in the power generation process, will allow for early detection and resolution of any potential issues, safeguarding the station's long-term viability. While the temporary closure may cause minor inconvenience, it ultimately serves a vital purpose - ensuring the continued generation of clean and affordable hydropower for Pakistan. By prioritizing preventative measures and learning from past challenges, WAPDA demonstrates its commitment to providing a reliable and efficient power supply for the nation.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)