The Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant has achieved a significant milestone by generating 969 megawatts (MW) of electricity at its full capacity, following the resumption of power generation earlier this month after inspection of its tail race tunnel.
The project, located on the Neelum River in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), resumed electricity production after a comprehensive examination of its tunnel during a low-flow season. International experts were involved in inspecting the tunnel, ensuring its safety and functionality.
Operational since 2018, the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant is a unique hydroelectric project, with 90% of its infrastructure located underground. It contributes an average of 4.06 billion units of electricity annually to the national grid.
In January, the plant underwent a shutdown for inspecting its 3.5-kilometer tail race tunnel to address any defects. This maintenance work was crucial for ensuring the plant’s long-term efficiency and safety.
Previously, the plant faced challenges in July 2022 when abnormal water leakage and pressure issues were detected, leading to a temporary shutdown for analysis and corrective measures. The recent successful inspection and resumption of full capacity operations mark a significant achievement for the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant.
