Message from Chairman PEC Engr. Dr. Muhammad Akram Sheikh

ENGINEER PEC September 2007installation of pumps / reversible plants.c. For future plants, it is recommended to study thepossibility for about 45% supplemental provision ofpumped storage generation.d. When the cheap hydro-energy and water are madeavailable in abundance the agricultural areas can beincreased through tube wells by extendingtransmission lines in those areas.The environmental impact of pumped storage stations isusually much less than that of a conventional hydropowerstation since the required downstream water storage isusually much smaller in size. The need for a pump-priminghead usually positions the pump-turbine below the level oflower reservoir, often underground. The typical design lifeof a pumped storage station is 80-100 years.The principle areas of pumped storage benefits can besummarized as under:a. Improved energy regulation and operation of thesupply gridb. Delivers ancillary services to the supply grid, such asstandby and reserve duties, frequency control, andflexible reactive loadingc. No gaseous emissions and have little environmentalimpact during its operationd. Allows flexible and rewarding commercial operationsacross a variety of electrical power supply scenarios.e. Availability of water is enhanced through recirculation.Agricultural areas can be increased.Recommendationsa. Pumped storage and generation appears mostfeasible for Tarbela Dam. A proper feasibility should becarried out by HEPO or through some outsideconsulting firm.b. A study of all existing hydel plants be conducted toinvestigate the potential for pumped storage and32