On July 24, the turbine runner for Unit 1 of the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project in Pakistan - a 504 MW hydropower generating unit, the largest single-unit-capacity hydropower unit ever exported by China - successfully rolled off the production line at Harbin Electric Corporation (HEC) and was shipped to Pakistan. The milestone marks a major breakthrough in the development of core equipment for this flagship energy project under the China - Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Known as Pakistan’s “Three Gorges Project,” the Tarbela Hydropower Station integrates power generation, flood control, and inter-basicn irrigation functions. It is the largest and most important power supply base in Pakistan and serves as a cornerstone of the country’s energy infrastructure. The Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project is being executed by a consortium formed by Harbin Electric International and Harbin Electric Machinery Company. As a key China–Pakistan energy cooperation project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the project is strategically important for strengthening Pakistan’s energy security, driving regional economic development, and deepening the China–Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

The Tarbela Hydropower Station is located in the sediment-laden Indus River Basin, where high silt content and complex operating conditions pose significant technical challenges to the research and manufacture of generating units - particularly the turbine runner. To address these challenges, HEC established a dedicated R&D team to systematically optimize its research and manufacturing processes. The team applied a range of innovative technologies, including multi-stage composite machining and segmented stress-relief treatment, overcoming key technical challenges associated with large cast components, such as high welding stresses, stringent machining accuracy requirements, and susceptibility to deformation. These efforts enabled the successful resolution of longstanding industry challenges related to precision control and structural stability of large-scale components.

The successful development of the turbine runner for the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project represents the latest achievement in deepening China–Pakistan cooperation in the energy sector. It is also a vivid example of Chinese enterprises advancing the high-quality development of BRI cooperation. The accomplishment demonstrates China's manufacturing strength in the field of high-end energy equipment and further reinforces the country's leading position in hydropower equipment technology.

Currently, installation and acceptance of all draft tubes and embedded components below the draft tubes for the three generating units have been completed. Spiral case installation for the first unit is nearing completion, with hydraulic pressure and stress tests scheduled for early August. Meanwhile, stay ring assembly welding and lifting operations for the remaining two units are proceeding as planned, marking the full-scale commencement of main equipment installation for all three generating units.