Hydro Power
Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant Pakistan
Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant is a large hydroelectric power station located on the Indus River in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The dam is located about 50 kilometers northwest of Islamabad and about 100 kilometers northeast of Peshawar.
Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dam Type | Earth-fill dam with a rock-fill core |
| Height | 142 meters (466 feet) |
| Length | 1,243 meters (4,078 feet) |
| Reservoir Capacity | 11.62 billion cubic meters (9.4 million acre-feet) |
| Hydropower Plant Capacity | 3,478 megawatts |
| Number of Generating Units | 14 |
| Generator Type | Francis turbines |
| Average Annual Generation | Approximately 12 billion kilowatt-hours |
| Spillway Capacity | Main spillway: 18,406 cubic meters per second (650,000 cubic feet per second)<br>Auxiliary spillway: 24,070 cubic meters per second (850,000 cubic feet per second) |
The dam was completed in 1976 and is one of the largest earth-fill dams in the world. It is about 148 meters high and 2,743 meters long. The dam was constructed to control flooding, provide irrigation water, and generate electricity. It has a storage capacity of 11.62 billion cubic meters of water.
The power station at Tarbela Dam has a total installed capacity of 4,888 megawatts, making it one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world. The power station has 14 generating units, each with a capacity of 347 megawatts. The power generated by the Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant is used to supply electricity to the national grid, which provides power to homes, businesses, and industries across Pakistan.
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant is an important source of electricity for Pakistan, and it has helped to meet the country's growing demand for electricity. The plant has also contributed to the development of the region by providing irrigation water for agriculture, which has helped to boost agricultural production in the area.
History Of Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant Pakistan
The idea of constructing a dam on the Indus River in the Tarbela area was first proposed in the 1950s, and feasibility studies were conducted in the 1960s. The construction of the Tarbela Dam was initiated in 1968, and the dam was completed in 1976.
The project was a joint venture between Pakistan and the United States, and the construction of the dam was carried out by a consortium of companies from the United States, West Germany, and Italy. The project was financed by the World Bank, and the total cost of the project was around US$1.5 billion.
During the construction of the dam, a town called Ghazi was built to house the workers and their families. The town had its own schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities. After the completion of the dam, the town was abandoned and is now submerged under the reservoir created by the dam.
The Tarbela Dam has played a vital role in the development of Pakistan's energy sector. Initially, the dam had an installed capacity of 3,478 megawatts, which was later increased to 4,888 megawatts with the addition of two powerhouses.
Over the years, the dam has undergone several maintenance and rehabilitation projects to ensure its efficient operation. In 2018, a project to increase the dam's storage capacity by raising its height by 15 meters was approved. The project is expected to be completed by 2024 and will increase the dam's storage capacity by about 3.3 million acre-feet.
Despite its significance, the Tarbela Dam has also faced challenges, including sedimentation, which reduces its storage capacity and affects its power generation capacity. The Pakistani government has undertaken several measures to address these challenges and ensure the efficient operation of the dam.
Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant Pakistan - Profile
Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant is a large hydroelectric power station located on the Indus River in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The dam is situated about 50 kilometers northwest of Islamabad and about 100 kilometers northeast of Peshawar.
The Tarbela Dam is an earth-fill dam, which is about 148 meters high and 2,743 meters long. The dam has a crest width of 9 meters and a volume of about 135 million cubic meters. It has a reservoir with a storage capacity of 11.62 billion cubic meters of water, and a surface area of about 250 square kilometers.
The power station at Tarbela Dam has a total installed capacity of 4,888 megawatts, making it one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world. The power station has 14 generating units, each with a capacity of 347 megawatts. The power generated by the Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant is used to supply electricity to the national grid, which provides power to homes, businesses, and industries across Pakistan.
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant is an important source of electricity for Pakistan, and it has helped to meet the country's growing demand for electricity. The plant has also contributed to the development of the region by providing irrigation water for agriculture, which has helped to boost agricultural production in the area.
Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant Pakistan Profile
Name: Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant
Location: Indus River, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan
Owner: Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
Type: Hydroelectric dam
Installed capacity: 4,888 MW
Number of turbines: 14
Height: 148 meters
Length: 2,743 meters
Reservoir storage capacity: 11.62 billion cubic meters
Surface area: 250 square kilometers
Construction period: 1968-1976
Construction cost: US$1.5 billion
Purpose: Flood control, irrigation, and electricity generation
Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant Pakistan - Technology
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant in Pakistan is a large hydroelectric power station that utilizes advanced technology to generate electricity from the flow of water.
The following are some of the key technologies used in the plant:
Turbines: The Tarbela Dam has 14 generating units, each with a capacity of 347 megawatts. The plant uses Francis turbines, which are designed to operate efficiently in low to medium head applications.
Generator: The turbines at the Tarbela Dam are coupled with generators that convert the mechanical energy from the turbines into electrical energy. The generators are capable of producing up to 4,888 megawatts of power.
Switchgear: The switchgear at the Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant is used to control the flow of electricity from the generators to the national grid. The switchgear is designed to operate at high voltages and can handle large amounts of power.
Control systems: The plant uses advanced control systems to monitor and control the operation of the turbines, generators, and switchgear. The control systems are designed to optimize the plant's performance and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the equipment.
Transmission lines: The power generated by the Tarbela Dam is transmitted to the national grid through a network of high-voltage transmission lines. The transmission lines are designed to handle large amounts of power and transport it over long distances.
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant utilizes advanced technology to generate electricity from the flow of water, making it a reliable and efficient source of power for Pakistan.
Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant Pakistan - Cost and Financial
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant in Pakistan was built at a cost of US$1.5 billion. The cost of the project was partially financed by international organizations such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank, as well as by the Pakistani government.
The construction of the dam and power plant was carried out in two phases. The first phase of the project, which involved the construction of the dam and the installation of the first three generating units, was completed in 1974 at a cost of US$600 million.
The second phase of the project, which involved the installation of the remaining 11 generating units, was completed in 1984 at a cost of US$900 million.
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant has proven to be a worthwhile investment for Pakistan. The plant generates a significant amount of electricity, which is used to power homes, businesses, and industries across the country. The electricity generated by the plant is also sold to neighboring countries such as Afghanistan.
In addition to electricity generation, the Tarbela Dam has also helped to provide flood control and irrigation water for agriculture in the region, which has helped to boost agricultural production in the area.
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant has been a significant investment for Pakistan, providing reliable and sustainable electricity generation and contributing to the economic development of the region.
Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant Pakistan - Operator
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant in Pakistan is operated by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). WAPDA is a government-owned organization that is responsible for managing the country's water and power resources.
WAPDA was established in 1958 and has since played a key role in the development of Pakistan's water and power infrastructure. The organization is responsible for managing a network of dams, canals, and power stations throughout the country, including the Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant.
WAPDA is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Tarbela Dam, as well as for the management of the reservoir and the distribution of the electricity generated by the plant. The organization employs a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and support staff to ensure that the dam and power plant operate safely and efficiently.
WAPDA has played a critical role in the development of Pakistan's water and power infrastructure, and the Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant is one of the key assets that the organization operates and manages to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to the people of Pakistan.
Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant Pakistan - Energy Contribution
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant in Pakistan is one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world and plays a significant role in meeting the country's energy needs. The plant generates a substantial amount of electricity, which is used to power homes, businesses, and industries across the country.
As of 2021, the Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant has an installed capacity of 4,888 megawatts (MW), making it the largest power station in Pakistan. The plant generates approximately 17 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, which represents around 14% of Pakistan's total electricity generation.
The electricity generated by the Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant is transmitted to the national grid and is distributed throughout the country. The power generated by the plant is a critical source of electricity for Pakistan, particularly during periods of high demand when other sources of electricity, such as thermal power plants, may be unable to meet the country's energy needs.
In addition to providing electricity, the Tarbela Dam also plays an important role in flood control and irrigation. The dam's reservoir can store up to 11.62 billion cubic meters of water, which is used to irrigate crops and manage water resources in the region.
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant is a crucial contributor to Pakistan's energy sector, providing reliable and sustainable electricity generation and helping to support the country's economic development.
Conclusion Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant Pakistan Review
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant in Pakistan is a remarkable engineering feat that has played a critical role in the country's energy and water management infrastructure.
The plant has an installed capacity of 4,888 MW, making it the largest power station in Pakistan and one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world.
The Tarbela Dam not only provides reliable and sustainable electricity generation for homes, businesses, and industries in Pakistan but also plays an essential role in flood control and irrigation. The reservoir created by the dam helps to manage water resources in the region and provides irrigation water for crops, boosting agricultural production in the area.
The construction of the Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant was a significant investment for Pakistan, costing US$1.5 billion, but has proven to be a worthwhile investment, contributing significantly to the country's economic development.
The plant is operated by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), a government-owned organization responsible for managing Pakistan's water and power resources. WAPDA employs a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and support staff to ensure that the dam and power plant operate safely and efficiently.
The Tarbela Dam Hydropower Plant is a vital asset for Pakistan, providing a reliable source of electricity and contributing to the economic and social development of the country.