Suki Kinari Hydropower Plant Set for August 2024 Launch
The 884-MW Suki Kinari hydropower plant is on track to begin commercial operations by the end of August 2024, as reported by Business Recorder. Developed by SK Hydro, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), this project is a key early harvest initiative under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Located in the Mansehra district, the Suki Kinari hydropower project will soon deliver affordable, green energy to Pakistan's national grid via a newly completed 500kV transmission line. This advancement is expected to significantly reduce the country's dependency on costly crude oil and liquefied natural gas imports, potentially saving billions of dollars each year.
The 75-kilometer transmission line, an engineering feat, stands as a testament to the strong partnership between Pakistan and China. Muhammad Mustafa, Deputy Managing Director of NTDC, praised his team and the project’s consultant, NESPAK, for their outstanding efforts on this challenging project. He also commended Project Manager Gai and the chief executive of MK Engineers and Constructors (Pvt) Ltd, Shahid Mahmood, for their dedication.
Wang, General Manager of China Energy Group's Pakistan branch, emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. He applauded the support from the Pakistani government and the leadership of Project Manager Gai Xiqiang, recognizing the project as a cornerstone of CPEC, symbolizing progress and cooperation.
Spanning elevations from 696m to 1967m above sea level, the Suki Kinari transmission line is one of the most challenging in Pakistan's history, drawing comparisons to the Karakoram Highway Project, also known as the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway. Upon completion, it will become the largest private sector hydropower project under CPEC.
The success of this $1.8 billion green initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between SK Hydro, the Pakistani government’s Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), and various ministries in both China and Pakistan. A formal ceremony is planned for September 19, 2024, in Islamabad to commemorate this milestone, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited as the chief guest.