The Suki Kinari Hydropower Station, a flagship project under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has completed its first full year of commercial operations. Inaugurated in September 2024, the 884 MW facility has generated over 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to date, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s national grid and helping to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, according to a report carried by Gwadar Pro on Thursday.

To mark the anniversary, SK Hydro hosted a Media Open Day at the newly inaugurated CEEC Pakistan Regional Office. Journalists from leading media houses were briefed on the project’s performance and toured key facilities, including the CEEC Corporate Culture Exhibition Hall and the under-development “Smart Hydropower” centralized control room, which will further enhance operational efficiency.

Project officials noted that the hydropower station has played a growing role in supporting Pakistan’s transition to renewable energy, while also contributing to the diversification of the national power mix. Beyond energy production, the project has made notable contributions to local development. At peak construction, more than 6,000 workers were employed on-site, while a series of community-focused initiatives have been undertaken in the surrounding areas.

These include afforestation drives, educational support programs, and the establishment of a trout hatchery aimed at preserving the region’s ecological balance. Infrastructure upgrades, such as improvements to the N15 highway, have also been facilitated through project support, improving connectivity and economic activity in the region.

Media representatives praised the quality of construction, operational standards, and the integration of intelligent management systems at the facility. Many described the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station as a model of CPEC cooperation, demonstrating how strategic energy investments can deliver clean power while also promoting economic and social progress.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China