Islamabad: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has requested the World Bank (WB) to issue USD 425 million for developing hydropower projects in Swat, according to a news report. These funds will be used to establish run-of-river hydropower projects on Swat River Basin, with the estimated energy potential of 2,000 megawatts (MW).
According to a WB document, the KP government has developed a project costing USD 782 million. It added that this financing was indicative and mobilisation efforts to involve commercial financing are underway. The provincial government’s financial share will be determined according to the commercial capital gathered.
The Peshawar Energy Development Organisation (PEDO) will administer this funding and comply with their requirements regarding the social aspects, environmental concerns, and due diligence. The government is establishing these projects in the Upper Dir and Swat districts, which come under the Malakand Division. The total power output potential of the Swat River Basin includes various run-of-river projects with varying capacities between 10MW and 200MW.
