Tarbela 5th extension to begin power generation in 2026, WB delegation told

HARIPUR: A three-member delegation of the World Bank, headed by Regional Director for Infrastructure in South Asia Pankaj Gupta, visited the under-construction 1,530 MW Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project. WAPDA Chairman Sajjad Ghani accompanied the delegation.

The team visited several key sites and observed ongoing construction activities. These included the raised intake, tunnel, penstock, and powerhouse.

Earlier, the WAPDA chairman thanked the World Bank for its continued support in harnessing Pakistan’s vital water and hydropower resources. He expressed hope that the six-decade-long partnership between the World Bank and WAPDA would continue to grow stronger.

The Tarbela 5th extension project director briefed the delegation on progress across all seven major work fronts, noting that construction is advancing at a steady pace.

Providing an update on the milestones achieved so far, officials shared that excavations at the raised intake shaft, penstock, powerhouse, and switchyard have been completed. Concrete work is ongoing at the raised intake, powerhouse, switchyard, tailrace culvert, and canal.

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Draft tubes for all three generating units have been installed. Similarly, penstock pipe installation and electro-mechanical works at the switchyard are in progress. Electricity generation from the project is expected to commence in 2026.

The Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project is part of WAPDA’s plan to promote green, clean, and cost-effective energy.

The World Bank is providing financial assistance of US$390 million for the project.

Under the 5th extension, three generating units of 510 MW each are being installed at Tunnel No. 5 of the Tarbela Dam. The project is expected to add an average of 1.347 billion units of hydel electricity to the national grid annually. Upon completion, the total installed capacity at the Tarbela Dam will rise to 6,418 MW.