Dasu Dam Project Construction Nears Completion, Key Milestone Achieved

Описание: Dasu Dam Project Construction Nears Completion, Key Milestone Achieved

The Dasu Hydropower Project, located on the Indus River in Upper Kohistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is a critical initiative led by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). It is a key component of Pakistan’s energy strategy, designed to meet growing energy demands through sustainable hydropower, following the legacy of Tarbela and Mangla dams. As of September 2025, the project has achieved all necessary milestones for timely completion.

Project Background: Planning began in the early 2000s, with a feasibility study completed in 2009 confirming the project’s viability. The study showed the dam’s capacity to generate 21 billion units of electricity annually, covering 15% of Pakistan’s energy needs, reducing fossil fuel reliance, and lowering carbon emissions. Approved in 2014 with funding from the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the project is expected to save consumers significant electricity costs.

Technical Details: With a total capacity of 4,320 MW (split into two 2,160 MW phases), Dasu will be Pakistan’s highest annual energy-producing hydropower plant, powering 4 million householdsand generating $1.5 billion USD in annual revenue. Compared to Tarbela (16 billion units) and Mangla (10 billion units), Dasu’s 21 billion units offer superior output. Its Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) design reduces costs by 20% and minimizes environmental impact compared to global projects like China’s Three Gorges Dam.

Infrastructure: The dam, 242 meters high and 570 meters long, has a 2.43 million acre-foot reservoir. Its spillway handles 40,000 cubic meters per second of floodwater. The underground powerhouse features 12 Francis turbines (360 MW each, 95%+ efficiency), built by General Electric. A 765 kV transmission line spanning 250 km will supply cities like Lahore and Islamabad.

Progress (September 2025): Construction is ongoing at 20 sites, with the main dam pit (60% complete), underground powerhouse (70%), and river diversion system fully operational. The $2.6 billion contract was awarded to China Gezhouba Group, with MWH Global overseeing design. Excavation is set to finish by early 2026, with RCC work starting mid-2026. Safety protocols have ensured no major accidents in two years.

Socioeconomic Impact: The project supports local development through 69 schemes (28 completed) for infrastructure, health, and water systems, boosting agriculture and living standards. 30% of materials are locally sourced, and 2,000 workers have received technical and safety training. Technology transfer programs enhance local expertise.

Future Expansion: The project can add 1,080 MW with $1 billion in further investment, potentially reaching 5,400 MW. Phase 1 will deliver 2,160 MW by December 2027, strengthening Pakistan’s energy security.

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