The general manager of the 1530MW Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project has informed a three-member World Bank delegation that electricity generation from the initiative is likely to commence in 2026.
Led by Regional Director for Infrastructure in South Asia Pankaj Gupta, the World Bank delegation visited the site alongside WAPDA Chairman Lt. Gen. Sajjad Ghani (retd.). It conducted a detailed visit of several key sites, including the raised intake, tunnel, penstock and powerhouse, and witnessed ongoing construction activities.
During the on-site briefing, the general manage of the project informed the delegation that construction work on all seven key work fronts was progressing at a good pace. Highlighting the milestones achieved thus far, he said excavations at raised intake shaft, penstock, power house and switch yard have been completed whereas concrete works at raised intake, power house, switch yard, tailrace culvert and canal are in progress. Draft tubes of all three generating units have been installed, while the installation of penstock pipes and electro-mechanical works at the switch yard are in progress. Electricity generation from the project is expected to commence from 2026.
Earlier, the WAPDA welcomed the delegation and thanked the World Bank for its support in harnessing the vital resources of water and hydropower in Pakistan. He expressed the hope that the more than six-decade long partnership between World Bank and WAPDA would further strengthen in future.
The Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project is a component of green, clean and least-cost energy generation plan of WAPDA. The World Bank is providing financial assistance of $390 million for the project.
Under the 5th Extension, three generating units of 510MW each are being installed at Tunnel No. 5 of Tarbela Dam to provide an average of 1.347 billion units hydel electricity to the national grid annually. Installed capacity at Tarbela Dam will surge to 6418MW after completion of the project.