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Lahore: In yet another significant development, Tarbela 4th Extension Project has been approved by Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in its meeting today. This development has taken place within a short span of one week after the inauguration of Mangla Dam Raising Project and foundation stone laying ceremony of Diamer Basha Dam Project.
1410-megawatt (MW) Tarbela 4th Extension Project is a part of least-cost power generation strategy being implemented by WAPDA on priority. This strategy not only aims at adding a sizeable quantum of electricity to the national grid but also improving the ratio of low-cost hydel electricity in the overall system to stabilize the power tariff.
Generation capacity of Tarbela Hydropower Station would rise to 4888-MW after installation of 1410-MW units as part of 4th Extension Project.
On completion, Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project will provide about 3.84 billion units low-cost electricity to the National Grid per annum. Annual benefits of the project have been estimated at about Rs.30.7 billion.
The project will pay back its cost in just three years. The project will also be instrumental in saving foreign exchange on import of almost one million tons of furnace oil annually, required for the equivalent generation of electricity from thermal sources. The project will also provide a cushion to undertake rehabilitation and up-gradation of the existing Tarbela Power House during the lean period.
At present, pre-qualification of the contractors for Tarbela 4th Extension Project is in process and expected to be completed soon. Afterwards, the project will be ready to launch.
The project will be constructed with an estimated cost of US $ 935 million. It is pertinent to mention that WAPDA has already arranged the finances required for the project through the World Bank.
Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project includes installation of three units, 470-MW each at Tarbela Dam on existing tunnel-4, being used for irrigation releases. The Main dam, intake and tunnel already exist.
Only construction of the powerhouse, penstock, extension of the switchyard and installation of electrical and mechanical equipment are to be undertaken for the project.
For more information, contact:
Muhammad Abid Rana
Director Public Relations
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
G-32, WAPDA House, Lahore
Tel: +9242 9920 2633 and +9242 9920 2211 -2033 -2029
Cell: +92333 445 8293
Email: mabidrana@gmail.com