‘Diamer Bhasha Dam-Power Generation Facilities’ project recommended to ECNEC

ISLAMABAD, June 5 (Gwadar Pro) - To increase clean energy production in the country, Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Saturday recommended the project of “Diamer Bhasha Dam-Power Generation Facilities” to Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC).

CDWP was convened under the chairmanship of Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Prof Ahsan Iqbal to discuss development projects on education, energy, health, higher education, industry, manpower, and water sections.

According to an official statement, “Diamer Bhasha Dam - Power Generation Facilities” with a total cost of Rs. 933,584.353 million was recommended to ECNEC.

The project includes foreign financing component. “Diamer Bhasha Dam - Power Generation Facilities” would produce cheap hydropower with an annual average energy of 18,097 Gigawatt hours (GWh) at Diamer Basha Dam and 1,111 GWh additional at Tarbela.

The Government of Pakistan plans to shift 60% of all energy produced in the country to renewable energy resources including hydropower by 2030.  As per the plan,  30% will come from wind, solar, small hydro and biomasses while the other 30% will be generated by large -scale hydropower.

Currently WAPDA has initiated 10 mega hydropower projects in the country. China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC) in JV is constructing the mega Dasu HPP and Mohmand HPP while Power China is involved in the construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam. Chinese companies are also constructing some small hydro projects in Pakistan.