Construction and engineering company China Gezhouba has reportedly signed a $1.5bn agreement to build a 700.7MW hydropower plant in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PaK).

The company will build the Azad Pattan hydropower project on the Jhelum river, in the Sadhanoti district.

The project is said to be part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative and is expected to be completed by 2026. Once completed, Azad Pattan is expected to support the country’s transition towards cheaper and greener electricity.

During construction, the hydro power project is expected to create 3,000 jobs.

The Pakistan Government said in a statement: “As a part of CPEC, with an investment of $1.5bn, the 700.7MW Azad Pattan plant will involve no fuel import, thus enabling the country to move towards cheaper & greener power while generating local job opportunities.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was also present at the agreement signing ceremony.

Khan said: “We have learned a lot from the development of China, and the CPEC project will take Pakistan to the very top.”

He added that there was no previous focus on generating cheap electricity, for which the country has paid a heavy price. Khan said this project would not be a burden on the country.

Earlier, India raised concerns with China over the construction of CPEC projects in the PaK region.