The Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in Pakistan has awarded a contract to Lahmeyer International to prepare a feasibility study for the Thakot hydropower project.
The project, on the Indus River, will have a capacity of 2,000 MW to 2,500 MW, according to a press release from Lahmeyer. However, WAPDA’s website says the project will have a capacity of 4,000 MW and produce mean annual energy of 21,300 GWh for the national grid.
The project is to have a gross head of 185 meters and a design discharge of 2,900 cubic meters per second. A 28-km-long power tunnel will feed water to eight Francis turbine-generator units.
Approved cost of the project was PKR719.628 million (US$6.87 million) in 2012.
WAPDA is an autonomous and statutory body established in 1958. WAPDA’s mandate is development of water and hydropower resources in an efficient manner. The authority plans to construct five multi-dimensional water storage dams during the next three to 12 years that will also provide inexpensive and clean hydroelectricity.
Projects ongoing by the company include installation of the 1,410-MW Tarbela 4th Extension on the Indus River, refurbishment of the 1,000-MW Mangla power station on the Jhelum River, construction of the 969-MW Neelum Jhelum hydropower project on the Neelum River, construction of Diamer Basha Dam on the Indus River, construction of the 2,160-MW Dasu hydropower project on the Indus River, and installation of the 1,410-MW Tarbela 5th Extension on the Indus River.
The company also has future work planned at 11 hydropower facilities, including rehabilitation and new development.
