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Mott MacDonald to act as consultant for Pakistan hydropower extension

UK consulting engineer Mott MacDonald has been appointed as lead consultant for the Tarbela fifth extension hydropower project in northern Pakistan by the country’s Water and Power Development Authority.

Mott MacDonald will increase the Tarbela Power Plant’s total generating capacity from 4888MW to 6300MW.

The station is situated below the Tarbela Dam, the largest earth-filled dam in the world, and has been steadily extended since it was originally commissioned in 1976 to meet Pakistan’s increasing demand for electricity.

Unlike the other four tunnels, the fifth tunnel is situated within the left abutment of the dam.

As well as generating power, the tunnel will be used for irrigation.

Mott MacDonald has conducted feasibility and scoping studies, along with detailed design work for the extension.

A 50km, 500kV transmission line and a 20 to 40MW floating solar pilot project will also be built.

Mark Gill, Mott MacDonald Pakistan power sector leader, said: "We are excited to continue our involvement with the Tarbela project.

"Our design innovation on Tarbela 4 increased the power supply by 47%. Similarly, our designs for Tarbela 5 have increased power by a further 10%.

"We are proud that our work will connect new opportunities for energy reliance and sustainability in Pakistan."

Image: The Tarbela Dam (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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