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Balakot Hydropower Project

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Balakot Hydropower Project
CountryPakistan
LocationKunhar River, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Construction costUSD 550 million
Power generation
Units operational3
Make and modelFrancis turbines
Nameplate capacity300 MW
Annual net output1143 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]

Construction

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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]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Balakot Hydropower Development Project". Asian Development Bank. July 15, 2021.
  2. ^ https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/49055-007-ea.pdf
  3. ^ Buneri, Aziz (August 15, 2022). "Balakot hydropower project faces further delay". Profit by Pakistan Today.
  4. ^ "Pakistan: Balakot Hydropower Development Project - Projects - AIIB". www.aiib.org.
  5. ^ Report, Bureau (March 10, 2021). "KP signs pact for 300MW Balakot hydropower project". DAWN.COM. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  6. ^ "Bidding extended for 300 MW Balakot project in Pakistan | Hydropower & Dams International". www.hydropower-dams.com.
  7. ^ "Work stepped up on Balakot Hydropower Project". August 17, 2023.
  8. ^ "Development work on Balakot Hydropower Project to start this year". October 26, 2022.