German Ambassador visits Tarbela Hydropower extensions, praises progress
German Ambassador to Pakistan, Alfred Grannas, and Counselor Dr. Sebastian Paust visited the Tarbela 4th and 5th Extension Hydropower Projects on March 24. These significant infrastructure developments were constructed by PowerChina. During their visit, they received a comprehensive briefing on the project's progress and the broader contributions of the Chinese company to Pakistan's energy sector.
Ambassador Grannas and Dr. Paust praised PowerChina for its exceptional work on the Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project, emphasizing the company's commitment from the initial construction phases to the successful start of power generation.
They emphasized the project's significance in strengthening Pakistan's energy infrastructure and expressed optimism for future collaboration between Chinese and German enterprises in the country. They noted that such partnerships could further support Pakistan's sustainable economic growth by combining expertise in engineering, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.
The Tarbela 4th and 5th Extension Hydropower Projects are vital to Pakistan's efforts to increase its electricity generation capacity. The 4th Extension (T4HP) adds 1,410 megawatts (MW), while the 5th Extension (T5HP) contributes an additional 1,530 MW. Upon full completion, these expansions will raise the total installed capacity of the Tarbela Dam from 4,888 MW to 6,418 MW, significantly enhancing the national grid and assisting in meeting the country's growing energy demands.
Beyond power generation, the Tarbela Dam plays a multifaceted role in Pakistan’s development. As the world’s largest earth-filled dam, it supports irrigated agriculture, provides essential water storage, and mitigates flood risks. The additional capacity from the fourth and fifth extensions will not only enhance energy reliability but also strengthen the dam’s role in sustaining agricultural productivity and economic stability.
The visit highlighted the potential for enhanced international cooperation in Pakistan's infrastructure sector, with Ambassador Grannas reaffirming Germany's commitment to collaborative initiatives that promote sustainable development.
