China-Built Suki Kinari Hydropower Station Nears Completion, Boosting Pakistan’s Energy Sector

The construction progress of the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station, built by China, has exceeded 98 percent, according to He Xiongfei, the chairman and general manager of the project. This significant milestone marks a crucial step towards the successful operation of the project within the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Situated in the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the 884-megawatt hydropower project is a testament to the strong partnership between China and Pakistan. Invested and constructed by the Overseas Investment Company of China Gezhouba Group, the project’s progress underscores the commitment to timely completion and efficient execution.

According to Xinhua, He Xiongfei emphasized the importance of achieving this milestone, highlighting the completion of key engineering tasks such as dam body filling, diversion tunnel lining, pressure steel lining installation, and unit installation, all of which have been accomplished as per the schedule.

The construction of the hydropower project commenced in January 2017, and upon its operationalization, it is poised to make a significant contribution to Pakistan’s energy sector. With an annual generation capacity of approximately 3.21 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity, the project is expected to replace 1.28 million tons of coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2.52 million tons per year, as stated by the Chinese manager.

Furthermore, the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station will play a vital role in optimizing Pakistan’s energy structure, thereby enhancing the country’s economic and social development prospects. Its contribution to the energy sector will not only address the growing demand for electricity but also promote sustainable development practices in line with global environmental objectives.

As one of the flagship projects under the CPEC initiative, the completion of the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station underscores the strategic significance of bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan. The project stands as a symbol of shared commitment towards mutual prosperity and reinforces the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations.

In conclusion, the nearing completion of the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station represents a significant achievement in the realm of infrastructure development and energy cooperation between China and Pakistan. As it moves closer to operationalization, the project holds the promise of delivering tangible benefits to both countries while advancing the goals of sustainable development and regional connectivity under the CPEC framework.