The first generator at the Karot hydropower plant in Pakistan is ready for commissioning, paving the way for the project’s full operation this year.

The 720MW project was funded and constructed by China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG). Once in full operation, the station will provide 3.206 billion kWh of clean energy for Pakistan every year, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 3.5 million tons.

Karot is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative. The scheme forms part of a five-project cascade that will help manage the vital water resource of the Jhelum River and provide much needed generation capacity to the country. The project includes the construction of a 95m high dam, four headrace tunnels and a new public bridge across the river, as well as a substantial spillway structure to manage flood flows.