Taimargara (Gwadar Pro): The 40.8-megawatt Koto Hydropower Project (Koto HPP) has begun supplying electricity to Pakistan’s national grid after achieving its Commercial Operation Date (COD). This announcement was made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) on Tuesday.
According to PEDO, this run-of-river power plant, located on the Panjkora River, is expected to generate approximately 155 GWh of electricity annually, providing the country with low-cost and renewable energy. The project is projected to generate an annual revenue of about PKR 22 billion.
This project is PEDO’s third hydroelectric scheme, following the completion of the 10.2-megawatt Jabbori HPP (Mansehra) and the 11.8-megawatt Karora HPP (Shangla), both of which are now connected to the national grid. The combined annual production of these three projects will exceed 320 GWh, contributing to grid stability, regional economic development, and Pakistan’s clean energy goals.
The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the Koto HPP was carried out by the Sichuan-Sarwar-Selian-Chongqing Luyang Joint Venture. The project commenced in 2015 with an initial target completion date of 2020, but delays occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, security issues, and other unforeseen factors. By 2022, more than 90% of the civil and electromechanical work had been completed, and the final commissioning took place in 2025.
PEDO has stated that achieving the COD for the Koto Project marks an important milestone in utilizing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s hydropower potential and providing the country with affordable and sustainable electricity.
