Fozia Azam

The Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (PEDO) has initiated work on a 300MW hydropower project in Balakot tehsil of the Mansehra district to harness the abundant hydel power generation potential of the province and boost the local industry.The $750 million project on the Kunhar River is likely to be completed by 2027. The electricity generated through the power station will help increase the clean energy share in the country's energy mix currently dominated by thermal power.

Electricity will be provided to local industries as well as to domestic consumers at relatively cheap rates, thus promoting industrialisation and creating job opportunities. The project also aims to improve the quality of life for women in communities surrounding the project area and promote gender mainstreaming. The project is co-financed by the Asian Development Bank, which has committed to arranging $550 million out of the total cost.

The power generation project is expected to generate 1,143GWh of annual energy, earning the provincial government a profit of $23 million annually. The main objective of the Balakot hydropower project is to generate low-cost electricity and provide economical, renewable and environment-friendly power to locals. It is expected to contribute towards the present and future power requirements of Pakistan, especially in rural and remote areas of KP. The project involves building a 58-meter-high gravity concrete dam along with related appurtenant structures, river diversion works, a sediment bypass tunnel, and a power circuit. Construction of access roads and housing for the operational staff is also part of the project.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk