Karot Hydro Power Project commences commercial operation

On June 29, 2022, the Karot hydropower project achieved full commercial operation. Karot Dam is the first Asphaltic Concrete Core Rockfill Dam in Pakistan and the first renewable energy project constructed under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

An opening ceremony was hosted at the Karot powerhouse facility, officially launching the business. At the ceremony, Dr. Munawar Iqbal, Acting Managing Director, Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) extended thanks on behalf of Pakistani government to the developer China Three Gorges.

“In spite of COVID-19 impact, the construction progress of the project remained satisfactory, and because of such a brilliant construction, the project has started successfully delivering much needed clean and green energy to the national grid,” Dr. Munawar Iqbal said.

The ceremony also featured speeches from Wu Shengliang, Chairman of China Three Gorges International Corporation, representatives of the lead contractor Yangtze Three Gorges Technology and Economy Development Co. (TGDC) and SMEC’s Chief Resident Engineer Mr Allan Christer.

The Karot Hydropower Station is located on the Jhelum River in Pakistan’s eastern province of Punjab. With an installed capacity of 720 megawatts, it is expected to provide 3.2 billion kilowatt hours of clean energy each year, supplying electricity to approximately 5 million people.

SMEC was engaged by the developer, China Three Gorges during the bid phase of the project, which was tendered under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract. The China Three Gorges team subsequently won an international competition to deliver the project. SMEC International Pty Ltd partnered with Shanghai Investigation, Design, & Research Institute (SIDRI) to deliver the role of Employer’s Engineer which included project management services, design review and construction supervision.

Karot Hydro Power Company Limited will operate the plant for a period of 30 years, after which ownership will be transferred to the Pakistan Government.

Image (Left): SMEC’s Chief Resident Engineer Mr Allan Christer. Image (Right): Attendees at the inauguration ceremony