Balakot Hydropower Project
| Balakot Hydropower Project | |
|---|---|
| Country | Pakistan |
| Location | Kunhar River, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| Status | under construction |
| Construction began | September 2022[1] |
| Construction cost | USD 550 million |
| Owner | Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa[2] |
| Operators | Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| Power generation | |
| Units operational | 3 |
| Make and model | Francis turbines |
| Nameplate capacity | 300 MW |
| Annual net output | 1,143 GWh |
The Balakot Hydropower Project is designed as a run-of-river scheme and is slated to be built on the Kunhar River.[3] Its primary objective is to generate clean energy and alleviate the demand-supply disparity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and nearby areas.[4] The project is anticipated to yield a power generation capacity of 300 MW, contributing to a significant average annual energy production of 1143 GWh.[3][5]
The Balakot Hydropower Project is a joint venture financially supported by both the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The overall funding for this venture amounts to US$550 million, with the Asian Development Bank providing US$300 million, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank contributing US$250 million.[3][6][7]
Construction
The Balakot Hydropower Project encompasses various key components, foremost being the construction of a 58-meter-high gravity concrete dam along with associated appurtenant structures. The project also involves river diversion works, a sediment bypass tunnel, and a comprehensive power circuit. The power circuit infrastructure comprises a power intake, a concrete-lined headrace tunnel, an upstream surge shaft, steel-lined pressure shafts and penstocks, a downstream surge shaft, and a concrete-lined tailrace tunnel. Additionally, the project includes a cavern-type powerhouse that accommodates three Francis turbines, collectively offering an installed capacity of 300 MW. This powerhouse is equipped with access tunnels and an exterior switchyard for efficient functioning.[8][9][10]
References
- ^ "Project Implementation Monitoring Report (#6)" (PDF). www.aiib.org.
- ^ "KP signs pact for 300MW Balakot hydropower project". DAWN. March 10, 2021.
- ^ a b c "Balakot Hydropower Development Project". Asian Development Bank. July 15, 2021.
- ^ https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/49055-007-ea.pdf
- ^ Buneri, Aziz (August 15, 2022). "Balakot hydropower project faces further delay". Profit by Pakistan Today.
- ^ "Pakistan: Balakot Hydropower Development Project - Projects - AIIB". www.aiib.org.
- ^ "KP signs pact for 300MW Balakot hydropower project". DAWN.COM. March 10, 2021.
- ^ "Bidding extended for 300 MW Balakot project in Pakistan | Hydropower & Dams International". www.hydropower-dams.com.
- ^ "Work stepped up on Balakot Hydropower Project". August 17, 2023.
- ^ "Development work on Balakot Hydropower Project to start this year". October 26, 2022.