The World Bank has approved $1 billion for the construction of Pakistan’s largest Dasu hydropower project, which is being built in the country’s northwest with assistance from China. The loan will be utilized to expand the hydropower electricity supply and improve access for local communities, according to a statement from the bank.
In recent years, Pakistan’s energy sector has faced significant challenges in achieving affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy. To address these challenges, the World Bank has identified the Dasu hydropower project site as a crucial development for the energy sector in Pakistan.
The project will contribute to greening the energy sector and reducing the cost of electricity. The dam is located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwestern Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan. Once completed, it will have an installed capacity of 4,320 to 5,400 megawatts.
Chinese workers have been involved in the construction of the Dasu dam and other projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Unfortunately, some Chinese workers have been targeted by militants in recent years, who accuse them of exploiting mineral resources. Despite these challenges, the World Bank remains committed to supporting sustainable development in Pakistan through its investments in infrastructure projects like this one.
