CPEC: Suki Kinari Hydropower Project Achieves COD

by Amna Gul 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s drive toward renewable energy has gained significant momentum with the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project (SKHPP) achieving its Commercial Operation Date (COD) on Friday. The 884 MW project, a crucial element of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), represents a $1.7 billion investment, making it one of the largest private-sector energy ventures under the CPEC framework.

The announcement was made by Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (PDSI), Professor Ahsan Iqbal, who hailed the achievement on his official X account. He referred to the project as "another achievement of CPEC," underscoring the continued success of Pakistan-China collaboration in transforming Pakistan’s energy sector. “We extend warm congratulations to the Chinese Government, the Sponsors (Energy China), Pakistani officials, teams working on the project, and all other stakeholders,” Iqbal said. He also highlighted the broader impact of the project, pointing to the shared commitment of both nations to sustainable energy development and economic growth.

 “Through clean, green, and renewable power, Pakistan will achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pave the way for industrial rejuvenation,” the minister added, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy in Pakistan's long-term development strategy.

The SKHPP, located on the Kunhar River in Mansehra district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, began reservoir filling earlier this year and successfully connected its first unit to the national grid on August 12. The dam, constructed by China Gezhouba Group Company Ltd. (CGGC), stands as an impressive engineering feat with a height of 54.5 meters and a total capacity of 1.9 million cubic meters.

As a key project under CPEC, the Suki Kinari hydropower plant is expected to play a vital role in meeting Pakistan’s growing energy needs while contributing to the country’s shift towards clean energy. By harnessing renewable resources, it not only addresses the pressing demand for power but also aligns with Pakistan's environmental and economic objectives. 

CPEC’s energy portfolio, which includes a mix of hydropower, coal, wind, and solar projects, has significantly bolstered Pakistan’s generation capacity. These initiatives have improved energy security, reduced outages, and paved the way for sustainable economic growth, marking CPEC as a transformative force in the country’s energy landscape.