Pakistan’s 1,530-megawatt Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project has achieved a major construction milestone. The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) announced the successful breakthrough of a connecting tunnel on Friday.
The tunnel links the raised intake shaft with the existing Tunnel 5 at Tarbela Dam. Chinese contractor POWERCHINA marked the achievement at the project site.
The breakthrough brings the project closer to completion. It will expand Pakistan’s hydropower capacity and strengthen the national electricity system.
Project to Add 1,530 MW of Hydropower
Located at Tarbela Dam on the Indus River, the project will convert the existing irrigation Tunnel 5 into a power tunnel. It will also install three generating units.
Each unit will produce 510 megawatts, adding 1,530 MW to the country’s installed capacity. According to WAPDA, the project is expected to generate around 1.466 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
Chinese Companies Support Project Construction
POWERCHINA is responsible for the project’s civil works. Chinese companies Harbin Electric International and Harbin Electric Machinery are handling the electromechanical works through a joint venture.
The World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and WAPDA are financing the project.
The collaboration brings together international financing and Chinese engineering expertise to support Pakistan’s hydropower development.
Tarbela Dam’s Capacity to Reach 6,418 MW
Once the extension is completed, Tarbela Dam’s installed power generation capacity will increase from 4,888 MW to 6,418 MW.
The additional capacity is expected to help meet Pakistan’s growing electricity demand. It will also support the country’s shift toward cleaner and renewable energy sources.
The latest tunnel breakthrough marks another step toward expanding Pakistan’s hydropower infrastructure and strengthening its long-term energy supply.
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