884MW Suki Kinari hydropower project begins power generation in testing phase

The Suki Kinari hydropower project, with a capacity of 884 megawatts, part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) portfolio, has successfully commenced its wet testing phase.

Located on the Kunhar River in Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, in northwestern Pakistan, the SK hydropower station is among the prioritized projects under CPEC’s first batch. It features four impulse units with a combined installed capacity of 884 MW.

Witnessing this milestone on site were personnel from China Energy Construction Overseas Investment Co., Ltd., SK Hydro Co., Ltd., and various construction units. Representatives from local authorities and the project’s engineering team also attended the startup ceremony.

Cheng Dan, general manager of China Energy Construction Overseas Investment Company Ltd., overseeing the project, informed Xinhua that the first unit has smoothly passed initial tests and meets design specifications. Further tests, including temperature stability and overspeed tests, are scheduled to ensure all technical parameters conform to standards.

Unit 4 of SK Hydropower Station has successfully undergone initial tests, demonstrating smooth operation and compliance with design requirements. Subsequent tests, such as temperature stability and overspeed testing, will be conducted to ensure all technical standards are met, laying a solid foundation for the unit’s trial operation phase.

Prior to unit startup for wet testing, SK Hydro Co., Ltd., in collaboration with construction units, meticulously prepared protocols for water filling and discharge tests, monitored progress in real time, and efficiently resolved issues to ensure effective water management during testing, crucial for the success of the wet testing phase.

Once completed, the project is expected to generate 3.212 billion kilowatt hours of clean electricity annually, significantly contributing towards addressing Pakistan’s electricity shortfall.