Micro Hydro Power in Pakistan: A Comprehensive Review of Development, Applications, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Tahmeed Ullah; Atif Sardar Khan; Sadaf Sardar Khan; Muhammad Iftikhar Khan; Arbab Masood Ahmad

Authors

Tahmeed Ullah U.S. Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan
Atif Sardar Khan U.S. Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan
Sadaf Sardar Khan Department of Mechatronics Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan
Muhammad Iftikhar Khan Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan
Arbab Masood Ahmad Department of Computer Systems Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan

Keywords:

Micro Hydropower Systems, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Power Generation, Energy Optimization, Renewable Energy Technologies

Abstract

Amid Pakistan’s evolving energy landscape—marked by a 62.1% fossil fuel dependency and persistent rural-urban access disparities—micro hydro power (MHP) systems offer a cost-effective and environmentally resilient solution. This review integrates technical, economic, and policy perspectives to evaluate the current and potential role of MHP in the country. It presents a structured analysis of turbine technologies (Pelton, Cross-flow, Kaplan, Turgo), their performance characteristics, and appropriate deployment contexts across various head and flow conditions. Drawing on case studies from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Punjab, the study highlights site-specific generation capacities, operational challenges (e.g., sedimentation, seasonal variability), and socio-economic impacts. Furthermore, it explores the institutional governance structure WAPDA, AEDB, PEPCO, and IPPs—and national policy initiatives under CPEC and the Alternative Energy Policy. The findings reveal that Pakistan’s mini-hydro capacity remains underutilized despite recent advancements in turbine efficiency and feed-in tariffs. Strategic expansion of MHP through modular designs, smart grid integration, and rural electrification incentives could significantly bridge the country’s energy access gap while aligning with its 2030 renewable energy targets.

References

N. M. Farooq, Muzammil, Khan, Junaid, Hussain, Mirza Naseem, and Sheikh, “Hydropower development in Pakistan: Past trends, current status and future development,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 81, pp. 897–915, 2018.

M. J. Usman, Muhammad, and Khan, “Small hydropower potential and development in Pakistan,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 72, pp. 186–196, 2017.

M. Iqbal, Muhammad Tariq, and Ali, “Design and implementation of pico hydro power plant for remote areas in Pakistan,” Renew. Energy, vol. 60, pp. 107–115, 2013.

H. J. K. Waqar Uddin, Ayesha, Kamran Zeb, Aun Haider, Bilal Khan, Saif ul Islam, M. Ishfaq, Imran Khan, M. Adil, “Current and future prospects of small hydro power in Pakistan: A survey,” Energy Strateg. Rev., vol. 24, pp. 166–177, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2019.03.002.

M. A. Sheikh, “Energy and renewable energy scenario of Pakistan,” Renew Sust Energ Rev, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 354–363, Jan. 2010, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2009.07.037.

Government of Pakistan, “National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) Annual Report 2023,” Islam. Pakistan, 2024.

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, “Statistical Year Book 2024,” Islam. Pakistan, 2024.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), “Sustainable Energy for All: Pakistan Status Report,” Islam. Pakistan, 2023.

Ministry of Energy (Power Division), “Power Sector Yearbook 2024,” Islamabad, 2024.

I. R. E. A. (IRENA), “Renewable Capacity Statistics 2024,” Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2024.

A. D. B. (ADB), “Pakistan: Power System Expansion and Strengthening Investment Program,” Manila, Philipp., 2023.

F. Zhang, “In the Dark: How Much Do Power Sector Distortions Cost South Asia?,” Dark How Much Do Power Sect. Distortions Cost South Asia?, 2019, doi: 10.1596/978-1-4648-1154-8.

S. Wali, Muhammad, and Noor, “Pakistan’s Energy Dilemma: From Crisis to Sustainability,” Energy Policy, vol. 146, 2020.

M. Haider, Muhammad, and Waseem, “Decentralized energy generation and rural electrification in Pakistan,” Energy Strateg. Rev., vol. 30, 2020.

T. Sarfraz, Muhammad, and Khan, “Hydropower energy resources of Pakistan,” J. Clean. Prod., vol. 170, pp. 1011–1023, 2018.

National Transmission and Dispatch Company, “Ten Year Transmission Network Expansion Plan (2023–2032) Pakistan,” (NTDC), 2023.

M. of C. Change, “Pakistan’s Climate Risk Profile,” Islamabad, 2023.

F. Akhtar, Sajjad, and Saleem, “A Review on Environmental Impacts of Hydropower Projects in Pakistan,” Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res., vol. 28, pp. 1132–1140, 2021.

M. Gul, Raheel, and Niazi, “Water-energy nexus in Pakistan: Opportunities and challenges,” J. Water Clim. Chang., vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 123–134, 2022.

D. Sangal, Saurabh, Garg, Ashish, and Kumar, “Review of Optimal Selection of Turbines for Hydroelectric Projects,” Int. J. Eng. Res. Appl., vol. 3, pp. 424–430, 2012.

“WAPDA - Water and Power Development Authority.” Accessed: Jul. 24, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.wapda.gov.pk/

N. Shah, Waqas Ahmad, and Tariq, “Hydroelectric Potential and Development in Pakistan: A Review,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 113, 2019.

National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), “State of Industry Report,” 2023, [Online]. Available: https://www.nepra.org.pk/publications/State of Industry Reports/State of Industry Report 2023.pdf

I. M. F. (IMF), “Pakistan Energy Sector Diagnostic,” Washington, D.C, 204AD.

A. Gul, Hammad, and Zia, “Circular Debt and Power Sector Reforms in Pakistan,” Pak. Dev. Rev., vol. 61, no. 2, 2022.

Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB), “Private Sector Power Generation Projects,” Islamabad, 2024.

S. Ahmad, Waqas, and Sadiq, “Technical and Financial Viability of Small Hydropower Plants in Northern Pakistan,” Renew. Energy, vol. 130, pp. 341–349, 2019.

UNIDO, “Small Hydropower Development Report,” Vienna, Austria, 2023, [Online]. Available: https://www.unido.org/WSHPDR2022

G. of K. P. Energy Department, “Mini/Micro Hydro Projects Summary,” Peshawar, 2024.

F. Agha, Hassan, and Shah, “Decentralized Power Generation and Off-grid Solutions in Pakistan,” Energy Reports, vol. 6, pp. 165–172, 2020.

WWF Pakistan, “Clean Energy Transition in Pakistan,” Islamabad, 2022.

C. Authority, “CPEC Phase II Energy Sector Brief,” Gov. Pakistan, Islam. Pakistan, 2024.

F. Ahmed, Shaista, and Nasir, “Indigenous Hydropower Technologies for Rural Electrification,” J. Renew. Energy Smart Grid, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 44–52, 2022.

PCSIR, “Testing and Evaluation of Small Hydro Equipment,” Lahore pakistan, 2023.

Planning Commission of Pakistan, “Vision 2025: Energy Sector Roadmap,” Islam. Pakistan, 2024.

U. ESCAP, “Sustainable Energy Transition Framework for Asia-Pacific,” Bangkok, Thail., 2023.

Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), “Progress Brief: Mini-Hydro Deployment 2025,” Islamabad, 2025.

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority, “Phase III Energy Project Summary,” CPEC, 2024.

M. Khan, Saeed, and Anwar, “Performance Evaluation of Micro Hydropower Plants in Northern Pakistan,” Energy Sustain. Dev., vol. 57, pp. 75–83, 2020.

I. E. A. (IEA), “Hydropower Special Report,” Paris, Fr., 2023.

JICA, “Renewable Energy Master Plan: Pakistan Final Report,” Tokyo, Japan, 2022.

National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), “Hydropower Resource Mapping,” Lahore pakistan, 2023.

Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET), “Status of Small Hydro Installations,” Islamabad, 2024.

Energy & Power Magazine, “Hydropower Investments in South Asia,” vol. 11, pp. 48–55, 2023.

A. Gul, Asim, and Shahid, “Assessment of Hydropower Sustainability Indicators in Pakistan,” Water Resour. Manag., vol. 34, pp. 2995–3012, 2012.

Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), “Policy Brief: Restructuring the Energy Sector,” Islamabad, 2023.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID), “Power Sector Reform Roadmap,” Washington, D.C, 2023.

European Small Hydropower Association (ESHA), “Guide on how to develop a small hydropower plant,” Brussels, Belgium ESHA, 2004.

E. C. Edwin Gallego, Ainhoa Rubio-Clemente, Juan Pineda, Laura Velásquez, “Experimental analysis on the performance of a pico-hydro Turgo turbine,” J. King Saud Univ. - Eng. Sci., vol. 33, no. 4, pp. 266–275, 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksues.2020.04.011.

E. Soekarno, I., Nugroho, B. A., & Handoko, “Reservoir-based MHP systems in tropical environments: Urban applications and challenges,” IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci., 2024.

B. Ralf, “United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),” Max Planck Encycl. Public Int. Law, Jul. 2017, doi: 10.1093/LAW:EPIL/9780199231690/E557.

C. Yiyang, “Project Case: Integrated Elderly Care Project in Yichang City,” Sustain. Aging Cases Coop. China Ger., vol. 1, pp. 293–295, 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-69139-7_25.

W. B. E. S. M. A. P. (ESMAP), “Search for Clean Cooking Energy: Pros and Cons of Bottled Gas"World Bank:” Washington, DC, 2022. Accessed: Jul. 24, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://hdl.handle.net/10986/38509

O. Paish, “Small hydro power: technology and current status,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 6, no. 6, pp. 537–556, 2002, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1364-0321(02)00006-0.

N. E. P. R. A. (NEPRA), “Performance Evaluation Reports of IPPs,” Islamabad, 2024.

H. Fazal, Usman, and Rahman, “GIS-Based Analysis of Hydropower Potential in Swat Valley,” J. Mt. Sci., vol. 71, pp. 44–56, 2021.

G.-B. Planning & Development Department, “Hydro Resource Feasibility Studies,” Gilgit, 2023.

U. Khan, Hassan, and Javed, “Public-Private Partnership in Renewable Energy in Pakistan,” Energy Policy, vol. 112, pp. 34–42, 2018.

German Development Bank (KfW), “Pakistan Hydropower Programme Progress Report,” Frankfurt, Ger., 2023.

M. Shahid, Imran, and Khalil, “Policy and Institutional Framework for Renewable Energy in Pakistan,” J. Energy Environ., vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 12–19, 2021.

I. H. A. (IHA), “Pakistan Hydropower Sustainability Report,” London, UK, 2023.

Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, “Mini-Hydel Projects Progress,” Muzaffarabad, 2023.

Energy and Research Center, “Micro-Hydro Innovation Projects Summary,” UET Peshawar, 2023.

D. & S. I. Ministry of Planning, “Pakistan Energy Outlook 2040,” Islamabad, 2023.

I. Haq, Muhammad Usman, and Raza, “Long-term Hydropower Planning for Climate Resilience in Pakistan,” Clim. Change, vol. 163, no. 3, pp. 711–728, 2021.