WB grants $390m for WAPDA’s Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower project

April 10, 2025 (MLN): The World Bank is providing financial assistance amounting to $390 million for the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower project, which is being undertaken by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

As part of WAPDA’s green, clean, and least-cost energy generation plan, the project will increase the installed capacity at the Tarbela Dam to 6,418 MW upon completion.

This was discussed during the visit of a three-member World Bank delegation, headed by its Regional Director for Infrastructure in South Asia, Pankaj Gupta, to the under-construction 1,530 MW Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower project.

Chairman WAPDA, Engr. Lt. Gen. Sajjad Ghani (Retd) accompanied the delegation, according to the press release issued today.

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

The delegation had a detailed visit of several key sites and witnessed ongoing construction activities. These sites included a raised intake, tunnel, penstock, and powerhouse.

Earlier, the Chairman, welcoming the delegation, thanked the World Bank for their support in harnessing the vital resources of water and hydropower in Pakistan.

He expressed the hope that the over 6-decade-long partnership between World Bank and WAPDA would further strengthen in the days to come.

During the on-site briefing, the GM/PD Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower project apprised the delegation that construction work on all seven key work fronts is progressing at a good pace.

Outlining the milestones achieved so far on the project, the delegation was briefed that excavations at the raised intake shaft, penstock, powerhouse, and switchyard have been completed.

Concrete works at the raised intake, powerhouse, switchyard, tailrace culvert, and canal are currently in progress.

Draft tubes of all three generating units have been installed. Likewise, the installation of penstock pipes and electromechanical works at the switchyard is also in progress.

Electricity generation from the Project is likely to commence in 2026.

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