Balakot Hydropower Project -300MW

[ghazi52]

Excited to share the latest construction progress from the Balakot Hydropower Project (300MW) – a milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards clean and affordable energy!

This project, being built near Balakot, is the biggest ever hydropower initiative under the KP government. With an estimated cost of Rs85 billion and financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank, Balakot HPP is set to be completed in 6 years.

Once operational, it will generate 300MW of renewable energy, providing a major boost to our national grid and supporting sustainable development in the region.

 

[ghazi52]

The downstream section of the A3 diversion tunnel at the Balakot Hydropower Station officially commenced. The current phase includes 89.91 meters of tunnel excavation, marking a significant advancement that will serve as a slag discharge channel for the regulating well and pressure shaft, enhancing overall construction efficiency and safety.

As the largest hydropower project planned by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Authority, Balakot Hydropower Station will feature a 300MW installed capacity with three mixed-flow turbines. Upon completion, it will contribute to alleviating the regional power shortage and increasing Pakistan’s share of clean, renewable energy.

 

[ghazi52]

Balakot Hydropower Station Project - 300MW

On May 22, 2024.. Adit A2 BHPP, undertaken by China Energy Gezhouba No. 3 Company, was successfully completed, marking the project's phased progress of tunnel excavation, and the construction for the diversion tunnel could start.
It is located on the left bank of the Kunhar River, Adit A2 has a total length of 585m.

During the construction process, considering the geological conditions, the overall construction principle of "short excavation, strong support, early closure, and diligent measurement", and comprehensively used "pre-support, control blasting" and installation of canopy tubes and grouting was adopted to ensure construction safety.

The Balakot hydropower plant is the largest hydropower project currently planned by the Energy Development Authority of KPK.

The project consists of 3 Francis units with a total installed capacity of 300WM. After the completion of the project, it will greatly alleviate the local power shortage, further increase the proportion of clean energy in Pakistan, and provide impetus for Pakistan's social and economic development.

 

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]

Biggest-ever hydropower project under the KP government, Balakot HPP represents a significant step toward sustainable and affordable energy for the region

 

[ghazi52]

𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐭 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!

On July 9th, the side top arch lining of the diversion tunnel reached an important phase of progress, with the successful pouring of the first 12 meters of concrete. This marks the official transition of the lining works into the substantive construction stage.

This achievement not only strengthens the foundation for timely tunnel diversion but also pushes the project steadily toward its next critical milestone. It reflects the dedication, coordination, and technical expertise of the entire project team, laying the groundwork for smooth progress in the upcoming engineering phases.

 

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]

 

[RealNapster]

Tell me something, can KPK build multiple such projects already proposed in different regions of the province. From its own resources and loans. And then refuse to buy expensive electricity from federal government and instead offer this cheap electricity to it's industries and households ? @Asfandyar Bhittani , @ghazi52

 

[Asfandyar Bhittani]

Tell me something, can KPK build multiple such projects already proposed in different regions of the province. From its own resources and loans. And then refuse to buy expensive electricity from federal government and instead offer this cheap electricity to it's industries and households ? @Asfandyar Bhittani , @ghazi52

This responsibility falls under Pakhtunkhwa Energy development organisation. Explore their website for completed/under construction projects.
Here are the Private sector ones under construction. Estimated 7.9 gwh. KP total consumption is around 11-13k gwh.


Either way, I don't see them liberating KP from discos tyranny completely as KP doesn't have funds for mega dams hell even federal govt barely does. But these small dams here and there can shoulder the historical federal inaptitude. Also we don't know what kind of deals have been signed with these IPPs in the chart above.

The second problem is line losses and failure to recover bills. Unless those can be improved, we will have another circular debt.

Anyway, the grid is going to collapse anyway with solar boom. I rather have Provincial government invest in solar panel and lithium battery factories with help of china (lithium is right next door which they can unlock) instead of dam which would be better if they are constructed for farming

 

[ghazi52]

𝐀𝟒 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 — 300 MW #𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐭 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞!

Since construction began on April 21, 2025, the A4 Tunnel at the Balakot Hydropower Station has progressed with remarkable speed and efficiency. With 170 meters of excavation and support work already completed, the progress has far exceeded initial targets.

 

[ghazi52]

𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐭 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!

On August 13, 2025, excavation work officially began on the diversion tunnel chamber — a key step that marks the project’s entry into a critical stage.

The diversion tunnel will act as a temporary drainage channel during dam construction, and the successful excavation of its chamber is vital for ensuring the safety of the diversion system while laying a strong foundation for upcoming works.

This achievement is yet another testament to the commitment and execution ability of our construction team. With steady progress, we remain dedicated to accelerating construction and moving closer to early commissioning and power generation for Pakistan .

 

[ghazi52]

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[ghazi52]

Chinese company successfully diverts river at 300 MW Balakot Hydropower Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

 

[Desprado123]

Pakistan major issue electricity bills. According to Shahbaz Rana, Pakistan officially will be producing above 60000 mw in 2031 and if solar adoption rate is not reduce than at least 30000 mz of solar via net metering would be adopted. It means that all village, most of the urban and towns would be on solar in Pakistan. Therefore, grid system would collapse and power plants cannot be shutdown like factories or store that is why still Pakistan is running plants that were made in 1960s. In short Pakistan has to export electricity to other countries and nego ipps.