Islamabad: The 969 MW- Neel Jhelum hydroelectric power plant was shut down yesterday for physical inspection of the main race tunnel to find out the problem that caused the drop in pressure a month ago.
Once the problem is identified, a comprehensive plan will be drawn up with project consultants and international experts to implement remedial efforts to correct the problem.
According to details, on April 2, 2024, there was a sudden change in pressure in the main race tunnel. On the recommendation of the Project Consultant for the safety of the Main Race Tunnel, the project management has continued the plant in a limited generation of 530 MW since April 6 to control the pressure fluctuations in the Main Race Tunnel.
The Neelum Jhelum hydropower plant continues to generate 530 MW of electricity till April 29. However, on April 29 at 2257, the next change in the pressure of the main race tunnel was recorded. As a result, the generation gradually decreased, but the pressure could not be kept within the safe limit as per the advice of the project consultant.
Considering the safety of the main race tunnel and capacity, the factory was closed at 0600 hours on May 1 for a physical inspection of the main race tunnel to determine the problem of pressure drop. After detailed discussion with the irrigation consultant of the 48 Km long tunnel, the sluice gates at the dam were lowered to remove the desanders.
Irrigation started that day from the power plant. Watering will be done at intervals for the safety of the tunnel.
It has a 51.5 km long tunnel system. The main race tunnel is 48 Km long and the tail race tunnel is 3.5 Km long. About 90% of the project is underground. Before that, the plant was closed in 2022 to repair the tail racing tunnel downstream of the capacity. After the completion of maintenance and rehabilitation work, the plant will start producing electricity in August 2023.
