The first hydropower plant has been connected to Pakistan’s energy grid under the auspices of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), marking a major milestone in the country’s energy landscape. The project on the Indus River in Kohistan has an installed capacity of 216 MW and is expected to address power shortages, frequent outages and over-dependence on fossil fuels. The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 1.6 million tonnes per year, a critical factor for Pakistan, which remains highly vulnerable to climate change. The project can serve as a model for future energy initiatives.
The recent connection of the first hydroelectric power plant of the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) to Pakistan’s energy grid is more than just a technical achievement. It is a major milestone on the way to a radiant energy landscape for the country. It can safely be considered a turning point. It not only solves long-standing energy problems but also paves the way for economic growth.
CPEC is the joint flagship project of China and Pakistan that aims to improve connectivity and trade between the two countries. CPEC has many facets, but hydropower projects are the parts that show particular promise. The successful integration of the first unit of the Dasu hydropower project into Pakistan’s power grid is a big deal. Pakistan has been battling power shortages, frequent outages, and an over-reliance on expensive and polluting fossil fuels for years. Hydropower, with its potential for clean and stable energy, offers a much-needed solution.
The Dasu hydropower project on the Indus River in Kohistan is set to make a major contribution to Pakistan’s energy mix. The first plant, recently connected, has an installed capacity of 216 megawatts (MW). To give you an idea of the scale, Pakistan’s total installed power generation capacity was around 43,000 MW at the beginning of 2024. While this number sounds impressive, the actual available electricity is often insufficient due to various inefficiencies. Dasu’s additional 216 MW will help address some of these shortfalls and provide a more reliable power supply to the grid.
Economic and environmental impacts
This connection is not just about numbers, but also about real-world impacts. Power outages are a significant obstacle to Pakistan’s industrial growth. Companies face unreliable power supplies, which hampers expansion and investment. With more reliable power from the Dasu hydropower project, industries will experience fewer interruptions, boosting economic activity, creating jobs, and improving the overall business environment. Environmentally, the switch to hydropower is a breath of fresh air – literally. Hydropower is a cleaner source of energy compared to fossil fuels. The Dasu project, once fully operational, is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 1.6 million tonnes per year. This reduction remains critical for Pakistan, a country highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Overcoming challenges
Of course, the road to this milestone has not been without hurdles. Large hydropower projects bring their own challenges, from complex logistics to environmental and social impacts. The Dasu hydropower project has encountered delays and difficulties, including managing community displacement and mitigating environmental impacts. These challenges underscore the need for careful planning and execution to balance development and sustainability.
outlook
The successful connection of this first plant is just the beginning. The more plants come online, the more benefits will accrue. This project could serve as a model for future energy initiatives and demonstrate how international cooperation and investment can lead to significant progress. For Pakistan, this success offers hope for a more stable and sustainable energy future.
More broadly, the Dasu project illustrates the potential of strategic partnerships in tackling global energy challenges. It is an indication of how targeted investments and cooperation can bring about significant change, not only in terms of infrastructure, but also in the quality of life of the people who depend on it.
So Pakistan is not just pushing ahead with this project to add more megawatts to the grid. Rather, it is about creating a more reliable and sustainable energy supply that promotes economic growth and environmental protection. The connection of the first plant to the national energy grid is a promising sign of progress; indeed, a step towards a better, more stable energy landscape for the country.
