WAPDA’s 2026 Mega Projects: Boosting Water Storage and Power Generation
Completion Expected to Increase Capacity by 9.7 Million Acre-Feet and Generate 11,000 Megawatts
According to an UrduPoint special report, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is accelerating construction on major water and hydropower projects in 2026. These prominent projects include:
- Diamer-Bhasha Dam
- Dasu Hydropower Project
- Mohmand Dam
- Tarbela Fifth Extension
- Kachhi Canal
- Nai Gaj Dam
- Kurram Tangi Dam
- Kyal Khwar Hydropower Project
- Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme K-IV
Key Findings:
- Water Storage: Completion of these projects is expected to increase Pakistan's water storage capacity by approximately 9.7 million acre-feet.
- Power Generation: WAPDA’s installed hydropower generation capacity will rise from around 9,500 megawatts to 20,000 megawatts.
- Water Supply: The projects are anticipated to provide a combined 560 million gallons of water per day to Karachi and Peshawar.
Project Highlights:
Diamer-Bhasha Dam:
- Installed power generation capacity: 4,500 megawatts
- Water storage capacity: Approximately 8.1 million acre-feet
- Expected annual electricity production: 18 billion units
Dasu Hydropower Project:
- Total generation capacity: 4,320 megawatts (in two stages)
- Stage-I (under construction) has a generation capacity of 2,160 megawatts
- Expected annual electricity production from Stage-I: 12 billion units
- Targeted start of power generation from Stage-I: December 2027
Progress and Future Prospects:
WAPDA Chairman Lieutenant General (retd) Muhammad Saeed is personally overseeing project sites to ensure timely completion.
The projects are expected to significantly enhance water storage capacity, improve water availability for agriculture, and contribute substantially to Pakistan's power generation needs.