Ayesha Saba

The energy sector in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has got a boost from the CPEC because its hydropower potential contributes significantly to meeting Pakistan’s energy demands. The state has great potential for producing mini, medium- and large-scale hydropower projects.

Talking to WealthPK, Chief Engineer of Civil AJK Power Development Organization Shahid Iqbal said, “The electricity produced by the power plants in AJK is sold to the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) which redistributes it across Pakistan and AJK through the national grid. All these mega projects have the potential to greatly contribute to the socio-economic growth of Pakistan with a cheap and stable source of energy in future”.

Sharing the supporting documents with WealthPK, he said a  total of 2,634.62MW was generated by the Wapda, AJK PPIB, and AJK PDO in AJK. Moreover, the AJK government is actively supporting efforts to identify, conduct site studies, design, and build hydropower projects in the state to manage the development of indigenous resources. There are 60 and 24 identified hydropower potential projects in AJK under the public and private sectors respectively with a total capacity of 8535.92MW.

“CPEC will be helpful in power generation in Pakistan by reducing the maximum shortfall and producing the maximum number of power projects. Hydropower, with proper planning and management, is a catalyst for long-term improvements in the country’s growth,” Shahid said.

He further said, “The integrated use of water and energy is a key component of long-term sustainability. Power generation in AJK directly helps Pakistan redress its energy deficit and contribute to its economic development. In the years to come, it will turn around Pakistan’s energy sector, rejuvenate its industry and help attract private investment,” he added.

Talking to WealthPK, socio-economic development specialist in the CPEC Authority Muhammad Adnan Khan said, “CPEC is not just a road or development project but a strategic alliance between two nations. Chinese investors have always indicated interest in exploring more investment opportunities in Pakistan. AJK by dint of its strategic location brings immense significance to the concept and impact of CPEC for both China and Pakistan”.

He further said, “Chinese power companies under CPEC are working on different power energy projects and dams such as Karot Hydropower Project, Azad Pattan Hydropower Project, Kohala Hydropower Project, Mahl Hydropower Project.” Sharing the details of these projects, he said, “Karot Hydropower Station is located on the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus River in the northern part of Pakistan. It is the first large-scale hydropower investment and construction project under the CPEC. On May 12, 2022, units 1 and 2 were officially connected to the grid. This project started on 29 June 2022.”

In addition, he said, Kohala Hydropower Project is a 1124MW project estimated to cost USD2.4 billion. It is a run-of-the-river 316-meter-high head project, he added. Mahl is a 640MW hydropower project on the Jhelum River. The project is currently in the permitting stage. It will be developed in a single phase. The project is expected to get commissioned in 2025. “These clean-energy projects with the direct investment will meet the power demands of Pakistan, boost its economic growth, and reduce CO2 emission by replacing thermal power to help cope with the climate change,” Adnan said.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk