First Unit of Suki Kinari Hydropower Project Begins Power Generation, Marks Major Milestone

On August 12, the first turbine unit of Pakistan’s Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, an investment initiative by China Energy Overseas Investment Co., Ltd. (CEEC), successfully synchronized and began generating electricity. This achievement is a pivotal milestone in the journey towards the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of Energy China’s largest overseas hydropower venture.

The Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, a flagship effort under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative, is powered by four impulse turbines with a total installed capacity of 884MW. The first unit, generating 221MW, is now delivering clean energy to local users through newly established transmission lines.

At the project site, Mr. He Xiongfei, Chairman of SK Hydro (Private) Limited, highlighted the critical final phase the project has entered, made possible by the relentless efforts of all stakeholders and team members. He underscored that the synchronization and power generation from the first unit signify the project’s imminent transition to full commercial operation.

Once fully operational, the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station is expected to produce up to 3.212 billion KWH of electricity annually, providing cost-effective, clean energy to over 1 million households in Pakistan. This project plays a significant role in enhancing Pakistan’s energy infrastructure, addressing the supply-demand gap, and supporting the country’s economic development.