Harnessing Pakistan's Mega-Hydropower Potential: A Comprehensive Review of Large-Scale Hydroelectric Projects

Authors

  • Muhammad Zafar Institute of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590
  • Mohsin Mumtaz Institute of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590
  • Haseeb Amin Institute of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590
  • Muhammad Muneer School of Electrical and Power Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098
  • Muhammad Sohaib Azeem School of Electrical and Power Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/marcopolo.v4i3.31

Keywords:

Hydropower Potential, Large-Scale Hydroelectric Projects, Pakistan Energy Sector

Abstract

Hydropower is a vital solution for Pakistan to fulfill the escalating need of electricity as the country’s energy sector is overwhelmed by large imbalances. This review article is to explore the possible effects of large hydroelectric project(>800MW) for the country. The paper discusses the impact of the large hydroelectric projects on the country’s energy issues, supporting sustainable development in Pakistan that has an approximate capacity of 60,000MW untapped, while the country has managed to harness a small fraction of the hydro capacity to utilize its needs for electrical power. Due to economic institutional impediments and technical reasons, Pakistan faces difficulties in harnessing the entirety of the country hydropower potential despite of it possessing an abundance of water resources. The study sightsees the geographical distribution of potential sites focusing on the north of Pakistan that has the majority of the large -capacity hydroelectric potential. The impacts like environmental and socioeconomic of the large hydropower projects are discussed, stating along the emphasis on the environmental impact assessment and mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the policy farmwork and governmental actions are debated in footings of their role in encouraging hydropower development. Also, the involvement of private enterprises is evaluated as one aspect in realizing these hydropower ventures. This review clearly shows Pakistan NEEDS its huge hydropower projects to meet rising energy demand! They're sustainable, dirt cheap, relatively clean energy solutions and there is number a of untapped potential projects in Pakistan. It also presents certain drawbacks and prospects for long-term development. If energy production is to satisfy national demand without doing irreparable harm to the environment or negatively affecting communities, Pakistan should adopt a far more integrated strategy.

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Consumers hit by hours-long loadshedding as electricity shortfall surges to 4,000 MW. Profit.

https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/01/13/page/2/

Published

2026-03-29

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