Balakot Hydropower Project Advances with Diversion Tunnel Breakthrough

According to the company, engineers and construction teams successfully navigated a range of technical and environmental challenges throughout the 738-day excavation process. These included complex geological formations, seasonal rainfall, and demanding construction conditions that required careful planning, advanced engineering techniques, and coordinated execution.

Project officials described the successful tunnel breakthrough as a critical step that will enable the project to transition into its next construction phases. Work will now move toward tunnel lining, structural reinforcement, and the installation of electromechanical systems that are essential for the project's future operations.

The Balakot Hydropower Project, with a planned generation capacity of 300 megawatts, is being developed on the Kunhar River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project is being executed by China Energy Engineering Corporation through its subsidiary, China Gezhouba Group Third Engineering Co., Ltd., highlighting the continued collaboration between Pakistan and China in developing sustainable energy infrastructure.

Upon completion, the hydropower facility is expected to generate approximately 1.144 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually. The project will contribute to strengthening Pakistan's energy security, increasing the share of renewable energy in the national power mix, and supporting long-term sustainable economic development.

Developed under the supervision of the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO), the Balakot Hydropower Project is expected to provide reliable, environmentally friendly electricity while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources. As construction continues, the project represents another positive example of Pakistan-China cooperation in delivering strategic infrastructure that supports the country's growing energy needs.