| Balakot Hydropower Project | |
|---|---|
| Country | Pakistan |
| Location | Kunhar River, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| Construction cost | USD 550 million |
| Power generation | |
| Units operational | 3 |
| Make and model | Francis turbines |
| Nameplate capacity | 300 MW |
| Annual net output | 1,143 GWh |
The Balakot Hydropower Project is designed as a run-of-river scheme and is slated to be built on the Kunhar River. [1] Its primary objective is to generate clean energy and alleviate the demand-supply disparity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and nearby areas. [2] The project is anticipated to yield a power generation capacity of 300 MW, contributing to a significant average annual energy production of 1143 GWh. [1] [3]
The Balakot Hydropower Project is a joint venture financially supported by both the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The overall funding for this venture amounts to US$550 million, with the Asian Development Bank providing US$300 million, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank contributing US$250 million. [1] [4] [5]
The Balakot Hydropower Project encompasses various key components, foremost being the construction of a 58-meter-high gravity concrete dam along with associated appurtenant structures. The project also involves river diversion works, a sediment bypass tunnel, and a comprehensive power circuit. The power circuit infrastructure comprises a power intake, a concrete-lined headrace tunnel, an upstream surge shaft, steel-lined pressure shafts and penstocks, a downstream surge shaft, and a concrete-lined tailrace tunnel. Additionally, the project includes a cavern-type powerhouse that accommodates three Francis turbines, collectively offering an installed capacity of 300 MW. This powerhouse is equipped with access tunnels and an exterior switchyard for efficient functioning. [6] [7] [8]
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