Karot Hydropower Project, Pakistan

Karot

Hydropower

plant

generates

3.2

billion

kilowatt-hours

of

electricity

each

year,

meeting

the

energy

demand

of

five

million

people.

Powered by the Jhelum River, Karot Hydropower plant will generate 3.2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, meeting the energy demand of five million people. It will also reduce 3.5 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually and save around 1.4 million tons of standard coal equivalent each year.

SMEC has worked on the project since its inception, initially undertaking feasibility studies for the site in 2009. Then in 2016, the SMEC-SIDRI-SECEC-Joint Venture was appointed by Karot Power Company Limited as Employer’s Engineer, undertaking design review and overseeing construction supervision. SMEC oversaw all aspects of construction management, acting as the main interface between the contractor and client.

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. SMEC has provided a world class team with detailed knowledge of international building standards for hydropower facilities. As part of the scope, SMEC also undertook detailed analysis of the proposed design. To reduce risk, SMEC made several amendments to the dam’s design and construction methodology. By providing ongoing training and mentoring to the client team and building contractors, SMEC has added value throughout the construction phase.

The dam is 95.5m high, 460m wide and 461m above sea level. New infrastructure at the facility includes three major bridges and 9km of roads, relocated to the Reservoir Area. The reservoir stretches approximately 27km upstream of the dam and features a capacity of 152 million cubic metres at full supply level. The surface powerhouse includes four turbines (180MW each). The project also includes four 316m long headrace tunnels, a spillway, three 447m long diversion tunnels and cofferdams upstream and downstream of the main dam. The plant will be interconnected to the national grid by means of a 5km-long, 500kV transmission line.

Client

Karot Power Company Limited

Location

Pakistan

Expertise

Hydropower & Dams Energy & Renewables

3.2

Bn KW

per annum

3.5

metric tons of carbon saved

km Kv