Power production hits all-time monthly high in December

January 24, 2022 (MLN): The country recorded the highest monthly power generation of 8,828 GWh during Dec’21, up by 12% YoY compared to 7,880 GWh in Dec’20, backed by the higher generation from nuclear, regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) and furnace oil (FO), monthly power production data released by the National Electric Power Authority (NEPRA) showed.

Cumulatively, during 1HFY22, power generation saw an upsurge of 9.3% YoY to 74,396 GWh against 68,047 GWh recorded in the corresponding period last fiscal year.

During the month of Dec’21 alone, nuclear, FO and RLNG went up by 109%, 20% and 8.9%, YoY, respectively. However, hydel, coal, gas, wind and bagasse-based generation declined by 1.1%, 8.4%, 1.9%, 4.4% and 7% YoY, respectively.

Source wise, the share of coal in power generation was the largest in Dec’21, as it accounted for 24% (2,104 GWh) of total electricity with a fuel cost of Rs13.31/KWh due to 73% rise in coal prices.

This was followed by Hydel as it contributed around 20% (1,769 GWh) of electricity.

With a share of 18%, power generation from nuclear was 1,549 GWh, whereas, RLNG accounted for 14% (1,192 GWh) of electricity at a price of Rs17.81/KWh. Meanwhile, generation from gas-based powerplants was 1,216 GWh (14% of total generation) at a fuel cost of Rs7.7/ KWh.

Wind-based energy contributed about 2% or 210 GWh of electricity, while 4% or 353 GWh contribution came from FO at a cost of Rs22.24/KWh. The share of bagasse in power generation was only 1% during the month at a fuel cost of Rs6/KWh.

The share of electricity imported from Iran was almost zero (36 GWh) in total production at the price of Rs13.3/KWh.

Meanwhile, 3% (251 GWh) of electricity was generated by HSD at a fuel cost of Rs14 per unit.

In the backdrop of rising RLNG, coal and FO, the fuel cost of the power distribution companies increased by 72% YoY to Rs8.24/KWh during the said month.

During the calendar year 2021, the country witnessed its highest-ever power generation of 136,572 GWh in the last calendar year, depicting a growth of 10.6% from 123,447 GWh reported in the calendar year 2020.

Copyright Mettis Link News