PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is rapidly advancing its energy self-reliance strategy. Secretary of Energy and Power, Nisar Ahmad, announced that the completion of seven ongoing hydroelectric projects over the next five years will propel the province’s cheap electricity production capacity to 1,000 Megawatts (MW).
This strategic expansion is expected to generate approximately Rs. 55 billion in annual revenue for the provincial exchequer. Currently, the province earns Rs. 5 billion annually from 10 completed projects producing 224 MW.
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The Swat Corridor Transmission Line
A critical component of this energy roadmap is the 40km long transmission line (132/220 KV) stretching from Matiltan to Maidan. Secretary Ahmad emphasized that this “Swat Corridor” project must be completed within the current year’s timeframe.
The primary goal of this dedicated line is to provide uninterrupted, low-cost electricity directly to the industrial sector, bypassing national grid constraints where necessary through a “Direct Supply Model.”
Ongoing Mega Projects
During a progress review meeting, PEDO (Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization) Chief Executive, Engineer Anwarul Haq, briefed officials on the status of 17 key hydel projects.
Last year alone, KP successfully commissioned 63 MW from three projects:
- Koto (Dir): 40.8 MW
- Karora (Shangla): 11.8 MW
- Jabori (Mansehra): 10.2 MW
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Major Projects Currently Under Construction:
| Project Name | Location | Capacity |
| Balakot Hydropower | Mansehra | 300 MW |
| Madyan Hydropower | Swat | 215 MW |
| Gabral Kalam | Swat | 88 MW |
| Matiltan Hydropower | Swat | 84 MW |
| Lawi Hydropower | Chitral | 69 MW |
| Chapri Charkhel | Kurram | 13.56 MW |
| Mujahideen Power Project | Torghar | 6.95 MW |
Direct Supply Model for Industrial Growth
To ensure the province reaps the maximum economic benefit, the Energy Secretary directed PEDO authorities to:
- Integrate completed projects into the National Grid immediately.
- Alternatively, secure distribution licenses to sell electricity directly to industries at subsidized rates if national grid integration faces delays.
This move is designed to attract industrial investment to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by offering lower energy costs compared to the rest of the country.
