Pakistan's Tarbela Dam's generation capacity to increase 31% after expansion

The electricity generation capacity of Pakistan's Tarbela dam is set to increase by 31% after expected expansion completion in fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26).

Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project is a component of the green, clean and least-cost energy generation plan of the Water and Power Development Agency (WAPDA), which oversees hydropower projects in Pakistan.

The World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank are providing financial assistance for the project to the tune of US$ 390 million and US$ 300 million, respectively.

Under the 5th Extension, three generating units of 510 MW each are being installed at Tunnel No 5 of Tarbela Dam, which will provide 1.347 billion units hydel electricity to the national grid on average every year.

Installed capacity at Tarbela Dam will surge to 6,418 megawatts from 4,888 megawatts after the expansion is completed.

According a WAPDA statement released on Tuesday, temporary support work in the tunnel is complete, paving the way for commencement of construction on the connecting tunnel. Installation of equipment such as draft tubes of all three units — Unit No. 18, 19 and 20 — is in progress.

The contractor is all set to resume construction work on the raised intake structure once the water in the reservoir recedes to the required level.

Following the site visit, Chairman Wapda Sajjad Ghani presided over a meeting at the project office, attended by the GM Tarbela Dam, consultants and contractors. Overall progress on the project was discussed during the meeting.

It was briefed that construction is continuing on all six work fronts simultaneously.