To initiate the development of the Dasu Hydroelectric Plant, the powerful Indus River was successfully diverted via one of two temporary water tunnels.
The river runs through a 1.33-kilometer-long, 20-meter-wide, and 23-meter-high diversion canal.
According to an official statement Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), the diversion and construction of the start dam has begun, and the major project of Dasu Hydropower will be erected in due course.
WAPDA Chairman Engineer Lieutenant General (Retired) Sajjad Ghani congratulates the project team on reaching this milestone.
The person in command of the Dasu Hydropower Project, contractor representatives, consultants, and a large number of engineers and technical staff observed the momentous occasion of the Wutong River Diversion Project.
According to a news release, the Dasu hydropower project’s diversion system consists of two tunnels, A and B. Tunnel B has been finished, and its flood capacity is sufficient to redirect the Indus during the current low water period. According to the statement, the 1.5-kilometer-long, 20-meter-wide, and 23-meter-tall Tunnel A will also be completed by mid-April to accommodate increased water flow during peak season.
The Dasu hydropower project is integral to WAPDA’s overall aim to provide green and sustainable electricity. The construction is occurring across the Indus River upstream of Dasu District in the Upper Khistan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KP).
The 4320 MW electrical plant’s completion is anticipated in two phases. WAPDA is currently building the first phase, which will have an installed capacity of 2,160 megawatts (MW) and an annual power generation capacity of 12 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh).
The first phase of the project could begin producing electricity in 2026. After the second phase of the 2160 MW project is implemented, an additional 9 billion units will be provided to the national electricity system.
Dasu will have the biggest annual power generation capacity in Pakistan, averaging 21 billion units per year, with completion of both phases.
