Suki Kinari HPP achieving commercial operation soon, expected by the end of this month. It is one of the highest priority projects under CPEC.
The 884-MW Suki Kinari hydropower plant is on track to start commercial operations by the end of this month.
S K Hydro (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC or ‘Energy China’), is developing the Suki Kinari hydropower project in Mansehra district. This project is one of the highest priority early harvest projects under the strategic China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Sources indicate that SK Hydro is nearing the final stages of completion and expects to begin commercial operations by the end of August 2024. Once operational, it will be the largest private sector hydropower project and the largest hydropower project under CPEC to be commissioned.
The successful high-voltage testing of the transmission line for the 884MW Suki Kinari project has been celebrated by NESPAK, indicating the project is on schedule.
Additionally, according to the company, this milestone reflects the collaborative efforts of PPIB and SK Hydro, along with support from various governmental ministries and departments of China, Pakistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Suki Kinari HPP Operation Ceremony in September
To mark this achievement, SK Hydro plans to hold a formal ceremony on September 19, 2024, in Islamabad, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited as the chief guest.
Shah Jahan Mirza, Managing Director of PPIB, highlighted that the Suki Kinari project is a significant green initiative under CPEC, representing a $1.8 billion investment.
He further noted that the project will soon transmit low-cost, green power through a newly completed 500kV transmission line, reducing reliance on crude oil and LNG imports, and saving billions of dollars annually. This 75-kilometer transmission line, built to connect the hydropower project to the national grid, is an engineering marvel and symbolizes the strong partnership between Pakistan and China.
Muhammad Mustafa, deputy managing director of NTDC, praised his team and the project’s consultant, NESPAK, for their exceptional efforts. He recognized the perseverance of Project Manager Gai and the significant contributions of Shahid Mahmood, CEO of MK Engineers and Constructors (Pvt) Ltd.
Also, Wang, general manager of China Energy Group’s Pakistan branch, underscored the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. He commended the Pakistani government’s support and the leadership of Project Manager Gai Xiqiang, congratulating all stakeholders on the successful completion of the Suki Kinari Project. He emphasized the project’s role as a cornerstone of CPEC, symbolizing progress and cooperation.
Furthermore, the Suki Kinari transmission line, with elevations ranging from 696m to 1967m above sea level, exemplifies engineering excellence and perseverance. It is one of the most challenging power transmission lines in Pakistan’s history, comparable to the Karakoram Highway Project, also known as the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway.
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