Chashma Hydropower Project is located on the right abutment of Chashma Barrage. The barrage is located on the Indus River near the village Chashma in Mianwali District, about 304 k.m. North West of Lahore. The project has been estimated at Rs17, 821.77 million including foreign exchange component of Rs 9264.25 million.

The installed capacity of power Station is 184 MW comprising of 8 bulb type turbine units each of 23 MW capacity. The bulb turbines have been installed for the first time in Pakistan. The first unit was commissioned in January 2001, while final commissioning of all units was completed in July 2001.

Salient Features/Principal Data of Main Components of Chashma Hydropower Project

Reservoir

Maximum pond level 649 ft. Normal pond level 642 ft. Minimum pond level 637 ft.

Power House

Turbine (bulb type) 1-8 Make Fuji, Japan Output (each) 23 MW Rotation Speed 85.7 RPM Runner Dia 21 ft. Discharge/unit 8829 cfs. Head available 13 to 38 ft. Rated Head 27.4 ft. Generators Make Fuji, Japan Output 23 MW Voltage 11KV Transformers Make GEC, Alsthom France Capacity 26 MVA Voltage 11/132 KV.

Project Benefits

Apart from effective water management through barrage Chashma Hydropower Project has generated 8.193 Billion KWh of cheap Hydel since commissioning. Annual Generation in 2008-09 was 1096.910 Million KWh the station shared peak load of 184 MW.