Secretary Energy and Power Muhammad Zubair Khan announced that several ongoing hydropower projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are in their final stages and will play a crucial role in stabilizing the province’s economy and boosting its industrial sector.
Speaking at a progress review meeting at PEDO House, Khan emphasized the importance of timely project completion and pledged to engage high-level forums to resolve issues with federal institutions. He highlighted plans to transform the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (PEDO) into the province’s most profitable institution through expert collaboration and teamwork.
Chief Executive Officer PEDO, Engr Riaz Ahmed Jan, provided an update on ongoing projects, including hydropower, solar power, and transmission lines. PEDO has already completed seven hydropower projects generating 161 MW and earning over Rs 4 billion annually. Twelve more projects including the 300 MW Balakot Mansehra, 157 MW Madyen Swat, and 88 MW Gabral Kalam are nearing completion and will collectively generate 778 MW, contributing more than Rs 45 billion in annual revenue.
On the solar energy front, Project Director Engr Asfandyar revealed ambitious plans to solarize 8,000 schools, 5,762 mosques, 6,650 homes, and numerous government buildings, including the Chief Minister Secretariat. Recently inaugurated flagship projects worth Rs 55 billion will convert 13,000 government buildings and 130,000 households to solar power over the next two years.
With over a million applications for the free solar scheme, the province is making rapid strides toward sustainable energy and significant cost savings. Khan urged the swift completion of ongoing projects to meet deadlines.
