All units of Kaptai hydropower plant resume operation, output rises to 144MW

Power generation at the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant has increased to 144 megawatts (MW) after all five generating units resumed operation following a rise in the water level of Kaptai Lake due to continuous rainfall and runoff from upstream hill areas.

Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant Manager Engineer Mahmud Hasan confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying all five units have been operating simultaneously since 6pm on Tuesday after overcoming water shortages.

“Continuous rainfall over the past several days and runoff from upstream hill areas have significantly increased the water level of Kaptai Lake. As the plant is entirely dependent on water availability, we have been able to restart all five units to maintain power generation,” he said.

According to the plant's control room, the water level in Kaptai Lake stood at 79.86 feet mean sea level (MSL) as of 8pm on Tuesday. Under the rule curve, the expected water level at this time of year is 84.96 feet MSL.

Although the current level remains below the guideline, officials said it is sufficient to sustain power generation.

The plant is currently generating 144MW of electricity from its five units. Units 1 and 2 are producing 32MW each, generating a combined 64MW, while Unit 3 is producing 30MW. Units 4 and 5 are generating 25MW each, contributing a further 50MW.

The electricity generated is being supplied to the national grid, helping strengthen the country's power supply.

Officials said the hydropower plant has an installed generation capacity of 242MW and expressed hope that electricity production would reach its full capacity if the lake's water level continues to rise.