Pakistan is currently undertaking an ambitious journey toward energy and water security through three mega-hydropower projects: the Diamer-Bhasha, Dasu, and Mohmand dams. With a combined investment estimated at approximately Rs. 2.6 trillion, these projects represent some of the largest infrastructure investments in the country’s history. Once completed, they will collectively add over 9,000 MW of low-cost, renewable energy to the national grid, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on expensive imported thermal fuels.
Diamer Bhasha: The Future Water Lifeline
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, located on the Indus River, is the most strategic of the three projects. With an estimated cost exceeding Rs. 1.2 trillion, it is designed to be the highest Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) dam in the world. Beyond its massive power generation capacity of 4,500 MW, its primary value lies in its water storage. It will store about 6.4 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, which is crucial for Pakistan’s agriculture-based economy, especially during the dry winter months when water levels in existing reservoirs like Tarbela and Mangla drop significantly.
Dasu Hydropower Project: Maximizing Energy Efficiency
Unlike a traditional storage dam, the Dasu Hydropower Project is a “run-of-the-river” facility located downstream from Diamer-Bhasha. This project is being completed in stages, with Stage-I alone set to contribute 2,160 MW. Because it does not require a massive reservoir for storage, its environmental footprint is smaller, and its per-unit electricity generation cost is expected to be among the lowest in the country. This makes Dasu a key component in lowering the overall electricity tariffs for domestic and industrial consumers in Pakistan.
Mohmand Dam: Multi Purpose Protection and Utility
The Mohmand Dam, situated on the Swat River, is a multi-purpose project with a focus on flood control and urban utility. While it will generate a respectable 800 MW of electricity, its most immediate benefit is the protection it will provide to the districts of Charsadda, Mardan, and Nowshera from devastating seasonal floods. Furthermore, the project includes a dedicated pipeline to provide 300 million gallons of clean drinking water per day to Peshawar, addressing a critical shortage in the provincial capital.
Transition to a Green Energy Mix
The shift toward “Green Energy” through these dams is a strategic necessity for Pakistan. Currently, the national power sector is burdened by high costs due to a heavy reliance on imported furnace oil and LNG. By transitioning the energy mix toward hydropower, the government aims to stabilize the economy and reduce the “circular debt” that has long plagued the energy sector. These dams are expected to provide electricity at a fraction of the cost of thermal power, providing a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness.
Long Term Sustainability and Food Security
Beyond electricity, the storage capacities of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams are vital for Pakistan’s food security. As a water-stressed nation with a rapidly growing population, increasing the storage duration of river water is essential for irrigating millions of acres of farmland. These projects will ensure that the “Indus Basin Irrigation System” remains functional even during periods of low rainfall, safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of farmers and ensuring that the country remains self-sufficient in food production.