The Suki-Kinari (SK) hydropower project has emerged as best example
of the ‘state-of-the art’ technology being used in construction of the
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related projects in Pakistan.
This was noted by the media team that visited the project’s site
located on Kunhar River in the Kaghan Valley of District Mansehra,
Khyber Pakhtunkwa (KPK).
China has transferred its latest technology
to Pakistan, making sure that the CPEC’s projects should be best ones,
both quality and creditability-wise, said officials while briefing the
media about the under-construction Suki-Kinari.
The 870 MW project
showed the commitment of China pushing forward the development of Hydel
power projects in Pakistan helping to overcome power-shortage.
The
development of dam in mountainous region of KPK shows that the geography
of Pakistan supports Hydropower generation at massive scale.
While
briefing the media delegation visiting the construction site of the dam,
Li Yuanling Counselor of Chinese embassy stated that the Suki-Kinari is
the largest private hydropower project in Pakistan under the framework
of CPEC which is the flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
He told that the execution of Hydel power projects in Pakistan will be
generating clean and green energy meaning it won’t pollute the air and
there will no negative impact on splendid climate.
He added that
energy projects carried forward under CPEC in first phase fulfilled the
needs of the Pakistani fellowmen which helped in reviving their needs of
power in various sectors.
He commented that construction of energy
projects in Pakistan will strengthen the strategic relationship between
two countries and ultimately it will emerge as essential ingredient of
socio-economic development and economic growth.
Zhang Zhiping,
director administration of Suki Kinari project briefed the media
delegation that the hydel power generation in Pakistan will drive
economic uplift and Industrial advancement.
Hydel power is a basic
part of nature and it is one of the most widely used forms of energy.
Hydropower is perceived as an environment-friendly, low-cost source of
electricity that relies on proven technology.
Zhang added that the
project was started in December 31st, 2016 and it will be completed in
March 2022 with the total cost of US$ 1.9 billion.
Some hydropower
facilities can quickly go from zero power to maximum output. Because
hydropower plants can generate power to the grid immediately, they
provide essential back-up power during major electricity outages or
disruptions, added director administration of the project, told Zhang.
In addition to a sustainable fuel source, hydropower efforts produce a
number of benefits, such as flood control, irrigation, and water supply.
He mentioned that the electricity production through hydel means in
Pakistan aim to fulfill the demands of energy in various sectors of this
country.
Pakistan has a huge potential for the production of green
energy in the country and all of these resources will be utilized for
the benefits of locals, Zhang added. It was noted that 1,600 Pakistani
people have attained jobs in the project while more than 3,000 locals
will also be employed by the end of 2020.
The majority of local
people have not experience to work in Hydropower Project or other
engineering projects, those of which need be trained by Chinese Foreman
or Skilled man such as surveyor, operator for heavy equipment,
carpenter, electrician, welder, plumber.
It is being done now. In
addition to our project, two projects have been announced by KPK at
Batakundi (96 MW) and Naran (188MW) both upstream of our project.
Another project Patrind (147 MW) is already underway downstream. So in
all there would be four 4 projects on this river with total capacity of
1300 M.
Source: Pakistan Observer
