Arooj Zulfiqar

Dasu Hydropower Project, after its completion, is expected to become Pakistan’s top energy generator in terms of annual production, providing low-cost, reliable and clean electricity to the people. “Dasu Hydropower Project, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is being developed by Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA),” according to the information available with WealthPK.

The mega project is expected to have a substantial impact on Pakistan's energy security. For many years, Pakistan has struggled with energy crisis that seriously disrupts daily life with regular power outages. The project is anticipated to offer a reliable supply of electricity, reducing the country's reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.

Dasu Hydropower Project has the potential to provide a significant boost to Pakistan's energy sector. The project is expected to have a capacity of 4,320 megawatts and generate around 21,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. This would make it the generator with highest annual energy output in Pakistan, surpassing the Tarbela Dam, which currently has an annual energy generation capacity of around 17,000GWh.

According to WealthPK research, the project is being constructed in two phases. The first phase includes building a 2,160MW power plant, and the second phase includes building an additional 2,160MW power plant. Power generation from Dasu Hydropower Project Stage-I is expected to begin by the end of 2026.

The project offers one of the cleanest and most sustainable sources of energy. In addition, hydropower plants have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance. The project is expected to provide significant environmental benefits by reducing Pakistan's reliance on fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to air pollution and climate change.

Apart from its environmental benefits, this project has significant economic benefits for Pakistan. The project is creating thousands of jobs during its construction phase, and provides a reliable source of electricity for industrial and commercial activities. The under-construction Dasu Hydropower Project has created at least 2,664 jobs for the local community.

According to WAPDA, the project will accommodate more people in the coming days from the local area, which is one of the backward regions of the country. Currently, over 3,700 people (including 2,664 locals) have been given jobs during the peak construction period, and the number of jobs will be increased to 8,000 with the majority from the local area.The low-cost electricity generated by the project is also expected to reduce the cost of doing business in Pakistan, making it more competitive in the global market.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk