The fourth extension of Tarbela Hydropower Project has restarted producing electricity on Saturday evening as the second gate of its unit number 16 has also been lifted, paving the way for resuming the power generation from the project. The electricity, generated by the project, is being provided to the National Grid.
Earlier, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) managed to lift the first gate of unit number 16 of Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project on Monday by adopting the best engineering practices and with intensive efforts of WAPDA engineers, consultants and contractors.
It may be mentioned here that the draft tube gates of Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project were struck due to the piling of silt because of the unprecedented low levels of water-flow in the Tarbela Reservoir which led to technical issues with the valves on the penstock. Subsequently, the rehabilitation activities were started jointly by the project management, consultants and contractors of WAPDA for lifting up the gates at the power house to recommence electricity generation from the project. WAPDA has been succeeded in resuming the power generation from Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project with lifting of the second gate. Prior to the accumulation of silt in the draft tube gates, Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project provided 177 million units of electricity to the National Grid.
Published in Daily Times, September 9th 2018.
