Chinese firm to develop Pakistan's key hydro project

A Chinese state-owned power company will develop a major hydropower project in Pakistan as part of the implementation of USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor connecting the two countries through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC) will develop the Kohala Hydropower Project, the firm’s biggest investment in the Pakistani hydropower market. It is expected to have an installed capacity of 1.1 million kilowatts, state-run Xinhua news agency reported today.

The project is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a 3,000-km network of roads, railways and energy infrastructure to assist development in Pakistan and boost growth for the Chinese border economy.

In September, CTGC registered a subsidiary for the project in Pakistan. A Pakistani government supporting letter for the project was issued last week, CTGC said. Established in 1993, CTGC is “a clean energy group focusing on large-scale hydropower development and operation.”

It manages the development and operation of the Three Gorges Project, the world’s largest hydropower project in terms of installed capacity.