Suki Kinari Hydropower Marks One Year of Operations, Powering Pakistan’s Clean Energy Transition

ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has hailed the Suki Kinari (SK) Hydropower Station as a landmark achievement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), calling it a major step in Pakistan’s transition toward clean energy.

Speaking at a ceremony held in Islamabad on Monday to mark the first anniversary of the SK Hydropower Station’s commercial operations, the minister praised its outstanding performance over the past year. He said the project has been a continuous source of clean power, contributing to diversification of Pakistan’s energy mix, reducing dependence on imported fuels, and strengthening the country’s energy security.

Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the project, enhancing safety standards, and advancing high-level cooperation with China in the energy sector.

Shi Yuanqiang, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, said the SK Hydropower Station stands as a flagship CPEC project, showcasing the potential of China-Pakistan collaboration in green energy. He added that China remains committed to deepening all-round cooperation with Pakistan to build an upgraded version of CPEC.

Managing Director of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board, Shah Jahan Mirza, highlighted that the SK Hydropower Station has become a vital contributor to Pakistan’s economic growth and energy security, pledging continued support for its operations.

Since commencing commercial operations on September 14, 2024, the SK Hydropower Station has transmitted 2.8 billion kWh of clean electricity to the national grid and provided over 100 local jobs.