Power Generation was down by 4.1% YoY during Feb’23

Power generation went down by 4% YoY to 7,756 GWh (11,541 MW) during Feb’23, compared to 8,088 GWh (12,036 MW) during Feb’22. The decline in the generation was owed to lower generation from FO (-80% YoY), Coal (-57% YoY) Wind (-44% YoY), and Gas (-7% YoY). This decline in power generation is triggered by the overall decline in economic activity across the country.

Major contributors during Feb’23 were Hydel (share: 26.5%), Nuclear (share: 24.3%), RLNG (share: 18.9%), Coal (share: 14.1%), Gas (share: 11.0%), FO (share: 1.4%), Bagasse (share: 1.3%), Wind (share: 1.2%), and Solar (share: 1.1%).

China Power Hub Generation and Thar Energy Limited generated zero electricity during Feb’23 due to the coal import issues and transmission constraints on the back of the delay in the second transmission line between Thar and Matiari Converter Station.

Nuclear, Solar, Hydel, and RLNG-based power generation increased by 86%, 42%, 39%, and 19% YoY, respectively. The rise in Hydel-based generation was due to a 35% YoY increase from WAPDA. This rise in Hydel-based generation was despite the zero generation from Tarbela 4th extension and Neelam Jhelum. The addition of Karot Hydro Power to the system also supported the increase in Hydel-based generation. The rise in Nuclear-based generation is witnessed due to the addition of KANUPP-3 to the system.

Fuel cost down by 10.3% YoY during Feb’23

During Feb’23, fuel cost for power generation decreased by 10.3% YoY to an average of PKR 8.01/KWh compared with an average cost of PKR 8.94/KWh during Feb’22. A YoY decline during Feb’23 was led by the following reasons;

o   Hydel-based power generation increased by 39% YoY.

o   Nuclear-based power generation is up by 86% YoY, a relatively cheaper source of generation.

o   Coal-based cost of generation decreased by 4% YoY due to the addition of local coal-based plants.

o   Solar-based generation increased by 42% YoY.

o   FO-based generation declined by 80% YoY, a relatively expensive source of power generation.

 Courtesy – AHL Research