ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (Alliance News): The Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project, boasting a capacity of 1510 megawatts (MW), is set to be completed by 2025-26, according to official sources.
The project, aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s energy sector, is being developed with the financial support of the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The sources revealed that the WB and AIIB are providing financial assistance amounting to $390 million and $300 million, respectively, towards the completion of the hydropower project.
The total generation capacity of the Tarbela 5th Extension is expected to reach 1530 MW, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s energy mix with clean, low-cost hydel electricity.
Once operational, the project will provide an estimated 1.347 billion units of environmentally friendly electricity to the National Grid annually.
Expanding Tarbela Dam’s Hydropower Capacity
With the completion of the 5th Extension, the installed capacity of Tarbela Dam will rise from the current 4888 MW to a substantial 6418 MW, making it the largest hydropower generation facility in Pakistan.
This expansion is seen as a critical step in addressing Pakistan’s energy challenges by enhancing reliance on renewable and sustainable energy sources.
The project aims to reduce Pakistan’s dependency on fossil fuels by increasing the contribution of hydropower in the country’s energy portfolio, which will help to mitigate carbon emissions and support the country’s environmental goals.
Funding and International Collaboration
The partnership with global financial institutions such as the World Bank and AIIB underscores the international community’s confidence in Pakistan’s renewable energy projects.
The $690 million financial package provided by these institutions not only highlights the importance of the Tarbela 5th Extension but also reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
The Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project is part of a broader initiative to utilize Pakistan’s vast water resources for energy generation, which will significantly boost the country’s hydropower capacity.
By tapping into the potential of the Indus River system, the project aims to create a more reliable and cost-effective energy supply.
Future Benefits for Pakistan’s Power Sector
The completion of the Tarbela 5th Extension is expected to alleviate the burden on Pakistan’s power sector by providing a stable and renewable energy source.
With energy demands increasing, the project will play a key role in meeting the country’s growing electricity needs, supporting economic growth, and ensuring energy security.
Additionally, the generation of low-cost electricity from hydropower will help reduce the financial strain on the power sector, enabling the government to allocate resources to other critical areas of the economy.
The project is also poised to generate job opportunities and boost the local economy during its construction and operational phases.
The addition of the 5th Extension will make Tarbela Dam a cornerstone of Pakistan’s hydropower infrastructure, cementing its role as a key contributor to the country’s clean energy future.
