💧 The stage is set: the Balakot Hydropower Project in Pakistan has just achieved river closure, marking the start of its main construction phase! Built by China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) and China Gezhouba Group Third Engineering Co., Ltd, this 300 MW powerhouse on the Kunhar River is now moving full steam ahead.
Launched in September 2021, the Balakot dam is the largest hydropower scheme under way in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to Syed Habib Ullah Shah, CEO of the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization, this milestone brings new hope for Pakistan’s energy future ⚡.
Once complete, the dam will generate about 1.144 billion kWh of electricity annually—enough to light up homes and businesses for 1.8 million people! Beyond clean power, the project will cut Pakistan’s reliance on energy imports, boost energy security, and support green and low-carbon goals 🌱.
Mao Huigang, general manager of China Gezhouba Group Third Engineering Co., Ltd, highlights another win: more than 2,000 local jobs and a surge in related industries like construction materials and services. Talk about a win-win for the community!
From powering up homes to fueling economic growth and tackling climate change, the Balakot Hydropower Project is more than a dam—it’s a symbol of cross-border collaboration making waves for a brighter, greener future 🌍.
Reference(s):
River closed as China-built Balakot hydropower dam enters main phase
cgtn.com
