BEIJING (DI NEWS) : QIN Guobin, President of China Three Gorges International Corporation, CTI, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to deepening clean energy cooperation with Pakistan, saying that CTI would continue contributing to a cleaner, more diversified, economical and secure energy future for Pakistan while strengthening the China Pakistan community with a shared future.
He made the remarks while addressing the International Academic Symposium Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Pakistan, held at Peking University and organized by the Pakistan Study Center, Peking University, to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Qin expressed his appreciation to Peking University and paid tribute to individuals and institutions that have long supported China Pakistan energy cooperation and contributed to the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Reflecting on 75 years of diplomatic relations, Qin said China and Pakistan have stood together through changing circumstances and their ironclad friendship has grown stronger over time. He described the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, CPEC, as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a vivid manifestation of the two countries’ All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
He said CTI has been deeply engaged in Pakistan for more than a decade, consistently using clean energy cooperation as an important link to support the country’s sustainable economic and social development.
Focusing on the three themes of inheritance, innovation and mutual benefit, Qin shared CTI’s experience and vision for the future of China Pakistan energy cooperation.
Karot Hydropower Project a Landmark of Energy Cooperation
Qin described the Karot Hydropower Project as a landmark achievement of bilateral energy cooperation and an important project under CPEC.
Located on the Jhelum River, the 720 megawatt project is the first major hydropower investment project under CPEC to become operational.
Since being connected to the grid in 2022, Karot has maintained stable clean electricity generation, producing an average of around 3.2 billion kilowatt hours annually, enough to meet the electricity requirements of approximately five million people.
The project saves around 1.4 million tonnes of standard coal annually and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 3.5 million tonnes each year. Its cumulative electricity generation has already surpassed 12 billion kilowatt hours, contributing to Pakistan’s energy security, household electricity supply and economic development.
Qin noted that Karot operates under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer, BOOT, model. At the end of the concession period, the project will be transferred to Pakistan free of charge, reflecting the principles of consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.
He added that CTI’s wind power projects in Pakistan have a combined installed capacity of 150 megawatts and have cumulatively generated approximately 3.2 billion kilowatt hours of electricity.
Together, CTI’s hydropower and wind projects are helping Pakistan develop a cleaner, more diversified and stable energy supply system.
Innovation Key to Pakistan’s Green Energy Transition
Highlighting innovation as another important area of cooperation, Qin said CTI would continue utilizing its experience across the clean energy value chain to improve operational efficiency and ensure the safe, stable and efficient functioning of its power stations in Pakistan.
He noted that the rapid expansion of distributed solar power in Pakistan has created new requirements for grid stability and electricity balancing.
CTI, he said, would further utilize the Karot Hydropower Project’s capabilities in peak load regulation and grid stabilization to facilitate the integration of greater volumes of clean energy into Pakistan’s electricity network.
Qin also called for deeper cooperation among Chinese and Pakistani universities, research institutions and industries. He said CTI would work to establish technology exchange platforms and share China Three Gorges Group’s experience in renewable energy integration, smart power systems, intelligent operation and maintenance and other emerging technologies.
Such cooperation, he said, could strengthen Pakistan’s electricity supply capacity, optimize its energy structure and support the low carbon transformation of its industries.
Cooperation Must Benefit Local Communities
Qin stressed that international cooperation should not only promote industrial development but should also improve the lives of local communities and ensure that development benefits reach ordinary people.
He said CTI has consistently adhered to ecological protection and green development throughout the construction and operation of its projects in Pakistan.
The company has implemented biodiversity protection measures and carried out ecological conservation activities in the Jhelum River basin, seeking to achieve coordinated progress between energy development and environmental protection.
CTI has also undertaken more than 30 community and livelihood projects in Pakistan, covering infrastructure development, educational assistance and emergency disaster relief.
Qin said these initiatives are aimed at ensuring that the benefits of development reach local families while further strengthening the bonds between the peoples of China and Pakistan.
Investing in Pakistani Youth
Qin also identified talent development and youth exchanges as important foundations for the long term friendship between China and Pakistan.
CTI has established dedicated scholarship programmes in Pakistan and expanded practical cooperation with local universities to cultivate skilled professionals for the country’s energy sector.
He noted that many scholarship recipients come from communities surrounding CTI’s project areas. After completing their studies, some have joined CTI projects in Pakistan and developed into technical and management professionals.
These efforts, Qin said, are helping Pakistan develop a stronger pool of energy professionals while strengthening exchanges and mutual understanding between the younger generations of the two countries.
CTI Pledges Continued Commitment to Pakistan
Looking ahead, Qin said China Pakistan relations have entered a new stage of higher quality cooperation after 75 years of friendship.
He emphasized the importance of advancing major projects alongside community focused initiatives and continuing to expand the scope of bilateral cooperation.
Qin said CTI would remain committed to carrying forward the profound friendship between China and Pakistan, exploring innovative pathways for green cooperation and promoting deeper mutually beneficial development.
He said CTI stands ready to work with stakeholders from both countries to further deepen China Pakistan energy cooperation and help make Pakistan’s energy system cleaner, more diversified, more economical and more secure.
Through these efforts, Qin said, CTI would continue contributing to the foundations of a China Pakistan community with a shared future and to the broader vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity.
