PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Power and Energy Department has completed feasibility studies of five mega hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 1,123 megawatt to help supplement the federal government’s efforts in curtailing energy shortfall.

Officials in the provincial energy department said that seven hydropower projects (HPP) with a total capacity of 1,978MW have been presented in the Road Show held on April 17-19 in China for inclusion in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). On the occasion, Memorandum of Understa­nding (MoUs) were signed with different Chinese companies to fully utilise KP’s energy potential, he added.

The official said at least $6.9 billion would be requ­ired for successful completion of the seven projects that would be constructed in Chitral.

The projects proposed include the 64MW Mujigram-Shoghor HPP with a required investment of $182m, 72MW Istaru Booni HPP with $276m, 350MW Turen More Kari HPP with $753m, 260MW Jamshill Tureen More HPP with $616m and 377MW Ghrait-Swir Lasht HPP for $1.8bn.

The official said feasibility studies of these projects were completed and these are ready for execution. Most of these projects would be built on River Chitral and adjoining water streams as the area is ideal for power generation.

The other two projects proposed for inclusion in CPEC including 409MW capacity Torcamp-Gudubar HPP, requiring an investment of $1.5bn and 446MW Kari-Mushkur HPP needing an investment of $1.8bn that would be completed with Chinese assistance.

The official said about 900 Chinese companies had participated in the road show and 82 MoUs against 86 prepared projects in diversified sectors were inked.

He said MoUs with a Chinese company regarding installation of a solar system in 10,000 schools and 400 hospitals of Khyber Pakhtu­nkhwa were also inked.

To give practical shape to these projects, Chinese investors would visit KP in July this year to analyse these projects on grounds. The Chinese investors and companies are taking immense interest in the province and $24 billion foreign investment is expected in future.

The official said four agreements have been signed with FWO for establishment of Oil Refinery in Karak, 600MW electricity project, installation of a cement plant in Haripur and Model Town in Peshawar.

To another question, the official said 1,000 acres land has been acquired for establishment of an economic zone near Rashakai Interchange in Nowshera under CPEC where industries, energy and gas projects besides technical education institutes would be setup. Chinese companies have asked for another 1,000 acres in Rashakai for future expansion needs.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2017