'Tarbela project to generate power next year'

Water Resources minister says govt is providing full support to WAPDA

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, has announced that electricity generation from the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project is expected to begin next year. The project has a total installed capacity of 1,530 megawatts and, upon completion, will supply the national grid with an average of 1.347 billion units of low-cost hydropower annually.

The minister, along with WAPDA Chairman Naveed Asghar Chaudhry, visited the construction site the other day. GM Tarbela Dam, GM Power Tarbela, GM/PD Tarbela 5th Extension, the project managers, consultants and the contractors were also present on the occasion.

The minister stated that the under-construction mega hydropower projects by WAPDA, including Tarbela 5th Extension, are priority projects in the government's least-cost energy generation plan. The Ministry of Water Resources is providing full support to WAPDA for the completion of these vital projects as per their timelines, he said, adding that the government is committed to adding clean, green, and environmentally friendly electricity to the national grid as a priority for providing relief to consumers and stabilising the national economy.

During the visit, the minister reviewed progress on key components of the project, including power intake, penstock, powerhouse and connecting tunnel. He was briefed on progress as well as timelines for completion of critical activities.

The minister was informed that construction work on all seven key work fronts was progressing at a good pace, while electricity generation from the project is expected to begin in 2026. Expressing satisfaction over the progress, the minister urged the management to complete the project following the timelines.

The minister also provided updates on other major projects. He said the Mohmand Dam is expected to be completed by 2027-28, while work on the Dasu Dam is progressing rapidly and will be completed soon. Regarding the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, he noted that the project will require more time for completion.

The government is focusing on increasing water storage, power production, and economic development, said the minister, adding that the prime minister is particularly attentive to these initiatives, even calling meetings to explore ways to enhance water storage.

WAPDA Chairman Naveed Asghar Chaudhry reiterated that the per-unit cost of electricity may vary depending on international currency fluctuations, but efforts are underway to complete the project as soon as possible.

It is pertinent to mention that WAPDA is constructing the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project on Tunnel No. 5 of Tarbela Dam. The World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank are providing US$390 million and US$300 million, respectively, for the construction of the project.