40.8MW Koto power project starts operation: official

PESHAWAR: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the 40.8-Megawatts Koto Hydropower Project (HPP) in Lower Dir, which is termed as a significant addition to the province’s clean and affordable energy.

Developed by the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (PEDO), the project is expected to generate 183 million units of clean electricity annually, which would be supplied to the National Grid and earn an estimated Rs2.4 billion revenue for the province yearly. The renewable energy initiative is set to power tens of thousands of households with zero emissions, contribute to job creation and provide a reliable supply for the province’s industries, Engineer Muqeemud Din, deputy project director of the initiative told The News.

Originally identified by PEDO-GTZ in 1992 and backed by feasibility studies between 2008 and 2011, the project faced numerous hurdles, including COVID-19 disruptions, delays in import certification for critical equipment, land acquisition issues, flash flood damage and security threats to international staff. But despite the pressing challenges, the project was successfully delivered through the dedicated efforts of PEDO, the Energy & Power Department and committed individuals on the ground, the official said.

He added the project successfully steered through the most difficult phases and ensured timely synchronization with the National Grid on July 26, 2025 and pre-COD energy exports of 1.5 million units. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also praised the completion of the project and said: “The Koto Hydropower Project is not just about generating electricity but it is about creating jobs, fueling industries and ensuring a cleaner, greener future for our province and the country.”

Situated near Koto village on the Panjkora River along N-45, just seven kilometers from Timergara City, the project cost Rs20.1 billion.