ISLAMABAD, Jan.29 (INP): Chinese companies involved in hydropower projects (HPPs) in Pakistan have received several appreciation letters and awards from their employers and local government authorities in 2021, Gwadar Pro reported on Saturday.

The report says, the Chinese companies have bright prospects for securing the contract of more HPPs in the country.

Chinese companies have been hailed for their "tremendous project management skills", "commitment and uninterrupted work during the pandemic" and their work for the social uplift of local communities in Pakistan. In the latest development, Karot Power Company Limited (KPCL), a subsidiary of China Three Gorge South Asian Investment Limited, received National Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)'s award in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Deputy CEO KPCL Lu Dongsheng received the award on February 19, 2022. Before the CSR award, KPCL has received four letters of appreciation from the administrative departments of the Government of Punjab and the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) for its "best quality of work, accommodating locals to work and the promotion of Pak-China Friendship". In December 2021, WAPDA awarded China Gezhouba Group of Companies (CGGC) at Mohmand Dam Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) with a letter of appreciation for its "hard work during the pandemic". Similarly, CGGC also received letters of appreciation from its employer at Dasu Hydropower Project Kohistan.

"CGGC has been very cooperative during any emergency like floods, traffic accidents, road blockages, and landslides, etc.," wrote Managing Director, Dasu Hydropower Project in a letter of appreciation.

The Chinese companies are executing several hydropower projects including the 884MW Suki Kinari Hydropower Project under CPEC in KP. According to Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (PEDO), the construction of seven hydropower projects have investment opportunities under CPEC in the Chitral district of the province.

The projects with complete feasibility study include Muigram-Shaghore HPP Chitral (64 MW), Istaro-Booni HPP, Chitral (72 MW), Toren More Kari HPP Chitral (350 MW), Jameshill Toren More HPP Chitral (260 MW), Gahrit-Swir Lasht HPP Chitral (377 MW).

The estimated cost of these five power projects is USD 3,638 million. PEDO has completed the feasibility of Chakdara Grid Station at Lower Dir and Drosh Grid Station Chitral and a 225km transmission line between these grid stations. The total estimated cost of the grid stations and transmission lines is USD 192.5 million. China is a champion of HPPs at home and abroad. Being a friendly neighboring country of China, Pakistan has the opportunity to get help from Chinese companies in the expansion of clean and green energy projects.

INP/javed