As Pakistan is in desperate need of power, the 40.8-megawatt Koto Hydropower project in Timergara, Lower Dir will be operational, adding the much-needed green power to the national grid by the end of 2022.
Secretary Energy and Power of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah and Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (Pedo) chief executive officer visited the project site on Saturday to examine the speed of work.
The heavy machinery for the Koto Hydropower Project (HPP) comprising rotors, stators, and the auxiliary and main transformer has been supplied to the site from China.
“Heavy machinery has been installed and the project will be completed in the current year,” according to an official statement issued after the visit stated.
“Koto Hydropower is a key project of Pedo, aimed at cheaper, renewable, environment-friendly power,” the Pedo CEO said, keeping in view the current and future energy demands of Pakistan, particularly in the rural and remote areas of the province.
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Moreover, the Director of planning and facilitation at Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization stated, “Work on box channel, surge shaft, sand trap, and powerhouse are near completion.”
He added, “The prime objective of the implementation of this project is to develop the power potential available in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, on a sustainable basis”.
“This will provide cheaper, renewable, environment-friendly, and most needed power, keeping in mind the present and future requirements of Pakistan, especially rural and remote areas of KPK”, the planning Director remarked.
Sichuan-Sarwar-Silian-Chongqing Luyang (JV) of China is the contractor of the Koto Hydropower project, which will export 205 GWh of energy on yearly basis in the future. Currently, JV is working on a number of other projects also based in KPK.
This mega-project has long service life because there is no reservoir sedimentation issue. The project will also implement various programs that are designed to improve life in the area.
In addition, these programs will help to improve health, education, and infrastructure facilities whereas other programs will give an alternative source of income and create job opportunities.
