ADB approves a loan for the 300 MW Balakot in Pakistan

摘要

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$ 300 million loan to finance the construction of the 300 MW Balakot hydro plant on the river Kunhar in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan. The plant, which is scheduled to be commissioned by 2027, will contribute 1143 GWh of clean energy annually to the country's energy mix, enhancing the energy sector's reliability and sustainability and improving the country's energy security, the bank announced on 30 March. The plant will incorporate seismic strengthening and climate-proofing measures. "Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change, with water resources and energy particularly at risk from floods, droughts, high temperatures, and other extreme weather events," ADB Principal Energy Specialist Adnan Tareen said. "In line with Pakistan's climate change adaptation and mitigation priorities, this climate-resilient hydro plant will increase the country's clean energy generation, while effectively utilizing its vast water resources," he added.