The Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, a flagship green energy initiative under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has elevated bilateral energy cooperation by delivering clean electricity and fostering technical collaboration.
Located in the Mansehra district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, the 884-megawatt project started construction in January 2017 and began operation in September 2024. Since then, it has generated more than 2.8 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity and saved nearly 1.3 million tons of standard coal annually, providing power to Pakistan's national grid.
"Our project is producing 884 megawatts of electricity. When it goes into the national grid, it will benefit not just our provinces, but the entire country," said Mubashir Hassan, a senior engineer at the project.
Beyond electricity generation, the project also contributes to skills development. Pakistani and Chinese engineers work together throughout the project's design, construction and operation.
For young Pakistani engineers, the project has also served as a valuable training ground, offering hands-on experience with advanced technology alongside their Chinese counterparts.
"I was a fresh graduate when I joined this project. When I came here, I saw the latest equipment, the best technology. I believe that the Chinese keep themselves up-to-date with the latest technology. I have learned so much and gained a great deal of knowledge from some of the best people in the field," said Malik Muhannad Danial, an engineer at the project.
Launched in 2013 as the flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative, CPEC has made substantial progress over the years, moving from blueprints to power plants and ports.
CPEC hydropower project boosts China-Pakistan energy cooperation
The Lingzhi‑09 Thai CubeSat, launched Tuesday aboard China's Long March‑6C rocket, marked the first time a Chinese commercial space firm has provided Southeast Asia with a complete satellite package, covering development, launch and in‑orbit delivery.
The rocket lifted off at 11:21 (Beijing Time) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province, placing seven satellites into the planned orbit to cover key areas including remote sensing, technology validation and science education.
The delivery covers satellite development, launch and in-orbit delivery, according to GalaxySpace, a Beijing-based commercial space firm.
The Lingzhi-09 Thai CubeSat, on the one hand, collects remote sensing data for land, agriculture, and ecology; while on the other hand, supports Thai universities through hands-on practice in satellite research and development, space tracking, and remote sensing applications.
"Lingzhi-09 Thai CubeSat is the first overseas satellite that GalaxySpace is responsible for. GalaxySpace not only offers satellite delivery, but also provides comprehensive solutions on ground system and talent training. This cooperation has testified the GalaxySpace's full-chain overseas delivery service, demonstrating a complete export of GalaxySpace system's engineering expertise," said Zhang Peng, general manager of GalaxySpace's solution department.
Different from selling a satellite, GalaxySpace helps Thai customers understanding satellites better by offering delivery, operation and training services.
"We believe that the international cooperation plays a vital role in advancing space technology and innovation. We value partnership with organizations and experts around the world. As such, collaboration brings unique knowledge, experience and perspective that contribute to the growth of our national space capability," said Phee Choosri, deputy executive director of Thai Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency's space technology department.
Chinese space firm launches first full-service satellite package to Southeast Asia
