http://www.technologyreview.pk/time...of-low-cost-electricity-to-the-national-grid/
Timely Completion of Tarbela 4th Extension can add 3.84 billion units of low-cost electricity to the National Grid
Zafar Mehood, Chairman WAPDA directs project authorities to expedite construction on Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project.
MTRPK Desk: The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Zafar Mahmood has directed the project authorities to expedite construction work on the 1410 MW – Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project for its completion by June 2017 in accordance with the accelerated program, which has been chalked out on the directions of the Prime Minister to commission the project ahead of schedule.
The Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project is of immense importance for overcoming electricity load-shedding in the country by injecting low-cost hydropower generation in the National Grid. Reviewing construction work during his visit at site, the Chairman said that timely completion of the project will enable WAPDA to fully utilize the high flow season of 2017. Therefore, every effort must be made to achieve this target by removing bottlenecks, he added. The Chairman asked the project authorities, consultants and contractors for adhering to the time lines of the accelerated program in addition to ensuring the stipulated construction standards of the project.
Early completion of Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project in line with the Prime Minister’s directions will help WAPDA to generate additional electricity during the high flow season of 2017 amounting to $300 million.
The Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project will increase the generation capacity of Tarbela Hydel Power Station from 3,478 MW to 4,888 MW, after installation of three units – with installed capacity of 470 MW each -on Tunnel No. 4 of Tarbela Dam. The World Bank is providing $840 million for construction of the project. On completion, Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project will add about 3.84 billion units of 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.