China-Built Balakot Hydropower Project Achieves Major Milestone: A Powerful Step Toward Pakistan’s Green Future
The China-built Balakot Hydropower Project in Pakistan marks a historic milestone by completing its river closure phase. This 300MW clean energy project on the Kunhar River is a major step toward Pakistan’s energy independence, green transition, and sustainable future.
The China-built Balakot Hydropower Project has reached a powerful new milestone with the completion of its river closure phase, marking the official beginning of the main dam construction.
This landmark achievement symbolizes more than just engineering progress — it represents a hopeful transformation in Pakistan’s energy landscape. The project, constructed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework, aims to accelerate Pakistan’s shift toward clean, renewable, and low-carbon energy sources.
Project Overview: The China-Built Balakot Hydropower Project
Located on the Kunhar River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the 300-megawatt Balakot Hydropower Project is being developed by the China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) and executed by its subsidiary, China Gezhouba Group Third Engineering Co., Ltd.
Construction began in September 2021, and once completed, the dam will generate around 1.144 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually — enough to power over 1.8 million households across Pakistan.
This monumental effort aims to strengthen Pakistan’s energy mix by adding reliable hydropower capacity, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and cutting carbon emissions in line with national and global sustainability targets.
The River Closure Ceremony: Marking a Major Achievement
The river closure ceremony, held on Saturday, marked the successful redirection of the Kunhar River to allow the main dam structure’s construction to proceed.
Syed Habib Ullah Shah, CEO of the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO), emphasized during the event that this is the largest hydropower scheme currently under construction in KP.
“Once operational, the Balakot Hydropower Project will play a vital role in meeting Pakistan’s energy demand, reducing imports, and promoting a green, low-carbon transition,” said Shah.
His statement reflects not only the technical success of the project but also its strategic importance in Pakistan’s broader climate resilience and energy independence goals.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The China-built Balakot Hydropower Project is expected to deliver far-reaching economic and environmental benefits:
- Clean Energy Generation: 1.144 billion kWh per year, cutting millions of tons of CO₂ annually.
- Green Transition: Strengthening Pakistan’s renewable energy share and fulfilling Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
- Economic Growth: Providing affordable and stable electricity to power industries and homes.
- Climate Adaptation: Reducing vulnerability to fossil fuel price volatility and supporting sustainable development.
According to project data shared by CEEC, the Balakot project aligns with Pakistan’s Vision 2025, which prioritizes sustainable energy infrastructure and climate-smart growth.
Boosting Local Employment and Industries
During the construction phase, over 2,000 local jobs have already been created — a figure expected to rise as the project advances.
Mao Huigang, General Manager of China Gezhouba Group Third Engineering Co., Ltd, noted that the hydropower project has not only provided direct employment but also stimulated related industries such as construction materials, transport, and local services.
“Our collaboration has brought tangible benefits to local communities, enhancing technical capacity, livelihoods, and regional infrastructure,” Mao stated.
This development echoes the broader objectives of CPEC Phase II, which focuses on industrial cooperation, job creation, and regional economic integration.
Strategic Importance for Pakistan’s Energy Security
Pakistan has long struggled with energy shortages, import dependence, and price instability in its power sector. The China-built Balakot Hydropower Project addresses these challenges head-on by:
- Enhancing Energy Security: Reducing reliance on imported oil and gas.
- Diversifying the Power Mix: Adding clean hydroelectric capacity to Pakistan’s grid.
- Lowering Costs: Providing affordable and reliable energy for both domestic and industrial consumers.
Hydropower projects like Balakot play a strategic role in ensuring self-sufficiency and long-term energy resilience — vital for Pakistan’s economic stability and climate adaptation goals.
China-Pakistan Collaboration and Green Diplomacy
The China-built Balakot Hydropower Project reflects the deep strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, particularly in the field of green infrastructure and renewable energy cooperation.
Under the CPEC framework, China has supported numerous hydropower and clean energy projects in Pakistan, including:
- Karot Hydropower Project (720 MW)
- Suki Kinari Hydropower Project (884 MW)
- Dasu and Kohala Hydropower Projects
These joint ventures contribute not only to Pakistan’s energy diversification but also to regional climate diplomacy, strengthening both nations’ commitments to sustainable development and low-carbon growth.
For example, China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) and Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) continue to collaborate closely to ensure technical excellence, safety, and environmental protection throughout construction.
Conclusion: A Vision of Hope and Sustainability
The completion of the river closure phase of the China-built Balakot Hydropower Project is more than an engineering feat — it’s a symbol of resilience, partnership, and progress.
Once operational, the 300MW facility will light up millions of homes, boost Pakistan’s green transition, and strengthen its energy independence for decades to come.
This remarkable milestone serves as a powerful reminder that with international cooperation, innovation, and environmental responsibility, Pakistan can achieve a sustainable, prosperous, and energy-secure future.
