River Closure: A Key Milestone
On Saturday, engineers in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province successfully closed the Kunhar River diversion, a critical step that launches the main construction phase of the 300-megawatt Balakot Hydropower Project. This milestone comes nearly two years after work began in September 2021.
Behind the Build
The project is led by China Energy Engineering Corporation, a state-owned enterprise from the Chinese mainland, and constructed by its subsidiary, China Gezhouba Group Third Engineering Co., Ltd. Local authorities note that this is the largest hydropower scheme under construction in the region, blending cutting-edge civil engineering with a commitment to sustainable development.
Power, Jobs, and Green Goals
Once operational, Balakot is expected to generate 1.144 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity every year – enough to power roughly 1.8 million people. Beyond boosting Pakistan’s energy security and reducing reliance on imports, the project aims to support a green, low-carbon transition in line with global climate goals.
More than 2,000 local jobs have already been created across construction, materials and service sectors, injecting vitality into the surrounding communities and kickstarting new economic opportunities.
What’s Next?
As the main dam structure rises, project leaders are focused on meeting timelines and maximizing environmental safeguards. If all goes as planned, the Balakot hydropower plant will serve as a blueprint for future public-private partnerships that balance energy demand, economic growth and sustainability.
Reference(s):
River closed as China-built Balakot hydropower dam enters main phase
cgtn.com
