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Pakistan Studies/The first generating unit of the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, a flagship energy project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), was successfully connected to Pakistan’s national power grid on August 12, 2024, marking a major milestone toward the project’s full commercial operation.
The successful grid connection represents an important achievement in China-Pakistan energy cooperation and demonstrates the continued progress of CPEC projects in supporting Pakistan’s economic development, energy security, and green transition.
The milestone was celebrated by Chinese and Pakistani engineers, workers, and project representatives at the construction site in Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, in northwestern Pakistan.
Located on the Kunhar River in Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project is one of the priority projects under CPEC.
The project is invested and developed by Energy China Overseas Investment Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Corporation (Energy China), and represents the largest overseas hydropower investment project undertaken by the company.
With a total installed capacity of 884 megawatts (MW), the hydropower station is designed to provide a stable supply of clean and affordable electricity to Pakistan, helping address the country’s energy challenges and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Construction of the project officially began in January 2017. Upon completion and full operation, the hydropower station is expected to generate approximately 3.2 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, making a significant contribution to Pakistan’s power supply.
Energy security has long been a key factor influencing Pakistan’s economic development. The Suki Kinari Hydropower Project is expected to play an important role in strengthening the country’s energy structure by increasing the share of renewable energy in its power generation mix.
Following the successful grid connection of the first unit, the project began supplying clean electricity to local communities and the national grid.
According to project representatives, once fully operational, the hydropower station is expected to provide clean and affordable electricity to more than one million local households every year.
The project will help:
As a renewable energy project, the hydropower station also aligns with global efforts toward low-carbon development and environmental sustainability.
The successful construction and operation of the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project reflects years of close cooperation between Chinese and Pakistani engineers, technicians, and local communities.
Throughout the construction process, Chinese and Pakistani personnel worked together to overcome challenges related to complex geological conditions, mountainous terrain, and technical requirements.
The project has created employment opportunities for local residents and contributed to skills development through technical training and knowledge exchange.
The cooperation between the two sides demonstrates the practical significance of China-Pakistan friendship, transforming shared visions of development into tangible results that benefit local communities.
Since its launch, CPEC has become a major platform for cooperation between China and Pakistan, covering areas including energy, transportation infrastructure, industrial development, agriculture, and social welfare.
Energy projects represent one of the most important areas of CPEC cooperation. Through power generation projects, transmission networks, and renewable energy initiatives, CPEC has contributed to improving Pakistan’s energy infrastructure and supporting economic growth.
The Suki Kinari Hydropower Project joins a number of other major CPEC energy initiatives that have strengthened Pakistan’s electricity supply, including thermal power plants, hydropower projects, and renewable energy facilities.
Together, these projects demonstrate the shared commitment of China and Pakistan to promoting sustainable development and improving people’s livelihoods.
Beyond electricity generation, the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project is expected to deliver broader social and economic benefits.
Reliable power supply will support businesses, industries, schools, hospitals, and communities, creating better conditions for economic activity and improving quality of life.
The project also contributes to regional development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province by improving infrastructure, creating jobs, and strengthening local economic opportunities.
For Pakistan, the project represents not only an important energy facility but also a symbol of cooperation, friendship, and shared development.
The successful grid connection of the first unit of the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project marks another important achievement in high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Looking ahead, China and Pakistan will continue to strengthen cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development, creating more opportunities for economic growth and shared prosperity.
As a key project connecting the development goals of both countries, the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project reflects the spirit of cooperation, mutual benefit, and long-term partnership that defines China-Pakistan relations.
Through continued collaboration, China and Pakistan will work together to build a brighter, greener, and more prosperous future.
