KP Hydropower Sector offers huge investment opportunities’

PESHAWAR, July 9 (Gwadar Pro) - Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) has completed feasibility studies for six hydropower projects with a total capacity of 1,569 MW in addition to two 500KV grid stations and a 500KV transmission line, which await international investors. 

“Feasibility studies for six projects with a total capacity of 1,569 MW have been completed in Chitral; we invite Chinese or any other foreign companies to invest in these projects,” Engr. Syed Aziz Ahmad, Director Monitoring and Evolution PEDO told Gwadar Pro in an exclusive interview.“PEDO has included these projects on the list of investment opportunities under CPEC,” he added.

The six hydropower projects for which feasibility studies have been completed include Muigram-Shaghore HPP Chitral (64MW), Istaro-Booni HPP Chitral (72), Toren More Kari HPP Chitral (350MW), Jameshill Toren More HPP Chitral (260MW), Gahrit-Swir Lasht HPP Chitral (377MW) and Kari-Mushkur HPP, Chitral (446MW). As per feasibility studies, the estimated cost of these projects is around $ 5,386 million.

PEDO has also completed feasibility studies of two 500KV grid stations at Drosh (Chitral) and Chakdara (Lower Dir) and a 500KV transmission line of 225km between Drosh and Chakdara. The estimated cost of grid stations and transmission lines is $ 192.5 million. “The transmission line will be constructed for power evacuation of about 3000 MW electricity from hydropower projects in Chitral,” according to Mr. Ahmad and he added, “We also invite Chinese investment under CPEC for the

According to Engr. Syed Aziz Ahmad, PEDO encourages the establishment of power projects in public-private partnerships. Besides special incentives in the tax regime, under Provincial Hydropower Policy 2016, PEDO will provide full support and facilitation to project sponsors in the acquisition of land and in approvals of environmental and socio-economic studies and assessments.