Balakot Hydropower Project
{{Infobox power station
| name = Balakot Hydropower Project
| image =
| image_caption =
| country = Pakistan
| location = Kunhar River, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
| status =
| construction_began =
| commissioning =
| cost = USD 550 million
| owner =
| operator =
| ps_units_operational = 3
| ps_units_manu_model = Francis turbines
| ps_electrical_capacity = 300 MW
| ps_annual_generation = 1,143 GWh
| website =
}}
The Balakot Hydropower Project is designed as a run-of-river scheme and is slated to be built on the Kunhar River.{{Cite web|url=https://www.adb.org/projects/49055-007/main|title=Balakot Hydropower Development Project|date=July 15, 2021|website=Asian Development Bank}} Its primary objective is to generate clean energy and alleviate the demand-supply disparity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and nearby areas.https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/49055-007-ea.pdf The project is anticipated to yield a power generation capacity of 300 MW, contributing to a significant average annual energy production of 1143 GWh.{{Cite web|url=https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2022/08/15/balakot-hydropower-project-faces-further-delay/|title=Balakot hydropower project faces further delay|first=Aziz|last=Buneri|date=August 15, 2022|website=Profit by Pakistan Today}}
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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aiib.org/en/projects/details/2021/approved/Pakistan-Balakot-Hydropower-Development-Project.html|title=Pakistan: Balakot Hydropower Development Project - Projects - AIIB|website=www.aiib.org}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1611678|title=KP signs pact for 300MW Balakot hydropower project|first=Bureau|last=Report|date=March 10, 2021|website=DAWN.COM}}
Construction
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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hydropower-dams.com/news/bidding-extended-for-300-mw-balakot-project-in-pakistan/|title=Bidding extended for 300 MW Balakot project in Pakistan | Hydropower & Dams International|website=www.hydropower-dams.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/08/17/work-stepped-up-on-balakot-hydropower-project/|title=Work stepped up on Balakot Hydropower Project|date=August 17, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/1018199/development-work-on-balakot-hydropower-project-to-start-this-year/|title=Development work on Balakot Hydropower Project to start this year|date=October 26, 2022}}