Work on infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative has maintained a steady pace in the countries and regions involved. And the BRI-backed projects have provided plenty of jobs for local people at a time when many of them have been thrown out of work due to the restrictions imposed to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The projects have stimulated economic and social development and improved the livelihood of local people.

Pakistan Thar coal power project mines 10 million tons

The Thar coal mining and coal-based power generation project in Pakistan has achieved phased mining of 10 million metric tons of coal, which brings a great end to the two years and eight months of coal supply work undertaken by China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), a subsidiary of Sinomach.

Representatives of China and Pakistan attend the celebration of the mining of the 10-millionth-ton of coal. [Photo/CMEC]

The coal mining and coal-based power generation project in Thar Coal Block-I, the first stage of Pakistan's Thar Integrated Coal Mine and Power Project, is developed as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship development program under the BRI.

The project is on CPEC's list of priorities as the first coal-electricity integration project for the CPEC and Pakistan. It is of great significance in the large-scale development and utilization of coal resources in the Thar region of Pakistan. In November 2014 and April 2015, the leaders of China and Pakistan witnessed the memorandum signings of understanding on project financing and the loan agreement.

The project is a new way of energy cooperation between China and Pakistan, which will greatly promote the provision of energy in Pakistan and improve the well-being of the local people.

Cambodian East Ring Phase II Power Project builds substation in Phnom Penh

The Phnom Penh East Substation of the Cambodian East Ring Phase II Power Project, which was undertaken by China Heavy Machinery Corporation (CHMC), a subsidiary of Sinomach, has been received by the owner and is in good working condition.

The newly built Phnom Penh East Substation of the Cambodian East Ring Phase II Power Project. [Photo/CHMC]

The CHMC project consists of five new transformer substations and nine upgraded ones, and an 85-kilometer 230kV transmission line and a 72-kilometer 115kV transmission line. The Phnom Penh East Substation is the largest in Cambodia and an important part of Phnom Penh's power network.

The successful delivery of substations in the capital city Phnom Penh will ease regional power shortfalls and enhance the transmission capacity of the capital's power network. The project opens a new power transmission channel for the 200 megawatts oil/gas dual-fuel power plant built by CHMC, further improving Phnom Penh's power supply and grid stability in dry season.

CNEEC to renovate Inga 2 Hydroelectric Power Station in Congo

The overhaul and renovation project of the Inga 2 Hydroelectric Power Station in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa, which was undertaken by Sinomach subsidiary China National Electric Engineering Co Ltd (CNEEC), is about to start.

The project, worth 214 million euros ($245.47 million), is estimated to have a generating capacity of 178 megawatts per unit.

The Inga 2 Hydroelectric Power Station in the DRC, Africa. [Photo/CNEEC]

The eight-unit Inga 2 Hydroelectric Power Station is the largest of its kind in the DRC. CNEEC is ready to repair and transform the whole or part of four units and their auxiliary equipment to restore the power generation capacity and realize stable, safe and efficient operation.

After its completion, the power shortage in the country will be alleviated to a large extent, and the local economic development and people's living standards will be greatly improved.