Harnessing the Force of Water: Hydropower in Northern Pakistan

Domestic production of renewable energy is playing an increasingly important role in Pakistan’s energy mix, as the Government of Pakistan bids to reduce the dependency on imported fossil fuels. Hydroelectric power is a leading contributor to this, capitalizing on the country’s natural energy resources.

The Khwar Hydropower Project, one of 12 energy projects in Pakistan that the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is supporting, comprises three electricity plants in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. These have been supplying electricity since the project was completed in 2014, helping to meet Pakistan’s growing demand for energy and providing 1.6 million people with a reliable source of ‘clean’ electricity. This in turn is helping to drive the country’s economic growth – which is dependent on a reliable power supply.

Success factors of this case include utilizing a resilient approach, increased reliability, a range of local benefits, government support, and expertise and knowledge.