Pakistan government hopes to speed completion of 1,410 MW tarbela 4 hydropower plant extension

LAHORE, Pakistan The Pakistani government has committed to spending US$51 million in an effort to expedite completion of the 1,410-MW Tarbela 4 hydropower plant by seven months. The plan was unveiled earlier today and is expected to push the completion date up to June 2017, ahead of Pakistan's high water season, according to authorities from the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

Tarbela 4 is an extension of the existing 3,478-MW Tarbela plant, which is located on the Indus River. The Pakistani government has said the project is part of its least-cost power generation strategy. The World Bank is reportedly providing $840 million for the extension's $928 million price tag. HydroWorld.com reported that WAPDA chairman Zafar Mahmood had ordered the pace of construction to be accelerated during a January site visit.

WAPDA awarded a contract to Australian engineering and development consultant SMEC for monitoring and evaluation services at the extension in November. Voith Hydro of Germany and Voith Hydro Shanghai were awarded a joint contract to supply electro-mechanical works for the expansion in February.

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2015/02/pakistan-government-hopes-to-speed-completion-of-1410-mw-tarbela-4-hydropower-plant-extension