Rehabilitation of Tarbela Hydropower Plant under FARA: Monthly Report April 2012

The project aimed to increase the plant's capacity by replacing damaged generator stator windings with Class F insulation windings and upgrading the SCADA system. Initial assessments identified the need for replacement of winding on unit # 3, which was expected to complete in May 2012, adding another 10 MW capacity gain. Implementation focused on several key interventions, including the replacement of winding on unit # 3, installation of spare seals and guides for relief and bypass valves on turbine side at units 1-10, and procurement of remaining equipment such as pumps, digital governors, and SCADA system. EPP verified WAPDA claims for installation of spare seals and guides for relief and bypass valves on turbine side at units 1-10 and completion of training, and forwarded the claims to USAID Energy Office for approval and further processing. Environmental compliance and implementation of the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) were ensured through a site visit by an engineering firm on April 5, 2012. The firm made observations and shared issues with the plant management to take necessary corrective actions. A follow-up visit is scheduled for the next month, and an environmental audit report has been submitted to the USAID/ENR. The project schedule and status are as follows: replacement of damaged generator stator windings with Class F insulation windings for unit # 4 was completed, and 100% amount was reimbursed; installation of winding for unit # 3 is in process and expected to complete in May 2012, with 90% amount reimbursed; replacement of damaged generator stator windings with Class F insulation windings for unit # 1 was completed, and 100% amount was reimbursed; upgrading of the SCADA system for units 1-14 is under manufacturing, with shipment expected in October; installation of spare seals and guides for relief and bypass valves on turbine side for units 1-10 was completed, with 90% amount reimbursed and 10% claim in process with USAID; replacement of electromechanical governors by digital ones for units 1-10 is scheduled to be shipped from GE USA in May 2012; replacement of worn-out station drainage and dewatering pumps for units 1-10 has started, with new station drainage pumps received at Tarbela and unwatering pumps scheduled for shipment in May 2012; and 20 WAPDA engineers from Tarbela power station have completed training on hydropower maintenance and operations in Switzerland, with 50% amount reimbursed and remaining 50% claim in process with USAID. As of April 2012, the total disbursement for the Tarbela project is $10,579,917 out of the committed $16.5 million assistance amount. Amendment-I of the Tarbela FARA revised the completion date to December 31, 2012.