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Pakistan Studies/The Karot Hydropower Project, developed and invested by China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG) in Pakistan, successfully completed the closure of its diversion tunnel gates and began reservoir impoundment on November 20, 2021.
The milestone marked a critical step toward the project’s scheduled full operation and power generation in the first half of 2022. It also represented a significant achievement for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a major milestone in green energy cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
As the year 2021 marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, the successful progress of the Karot Hydropower Project demonstrated the strong partnership between the two countries and injected new momentum into regional energy development and sustainable growth.
Located on the Jhelum River in Pakistan’s Punjab Province, the Karot Hydropower Project has a total installed capacity of 720 megawatts (MW) and a total investment of approximately US$1.74 billion.
The project is:
The project was developed by CTG through its overseas investment platform and represents an important example of Chinese enterprises participating in international clean energy cooperation.
Upon completion, the hydropower station is expected to generate approximately 3.2 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, providing reliable and affordable power for Pakistan’s economic and social development.
The Karot Hydropower Project officially began construction in April 2015, witnessed by leaders from China and Pakistan.
Over more than six years of construction, Chinese and Pakistani project teams overcame numerous challenges, including complex geological conditions, difficult mountainous terrain, and the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Major construction milestones were achieved, including:
When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in early 2020, many Chinese and Pakistani engineers and workers remained at the project site, continuing construction while implementing strict health and safety measures.
China also dispatched professional medical teams to support the health protection of project personnel, ensuring that construction progress continued safely and efficiently.
In May 2021, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong publicly recognized the progress of the Karot Hydropower Project and expressed appreciation for the efforts made under challenging circumstances.
The completion of the Karot Hydropower Project provides important benefits for Pakistan’s energy security and environmental sustainability.
Once fully operational, the project will:
The project is expected to save approximately 1.4 million tonnes of standard coal annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 3.5 million tonnes each year.
By increasing the share of renewable energy in Pakistan’s power structure, the project contributes not only to Pakistan’s economic development but also to global efforts to address climate change and achieve carbon reduction goals.
Beyond electricity generation, the Karot Hydropower Project has actively contributed to local social and economic development.
During construction and operation, the project has created thousands of employment opportunities, providing direct and indirect jobs for local communities.
CTG has also carried out a range of corporate social responsibility initiatives, including:
More than 20 public welfare projects have been implemented to improve living conditions and strengthen cooperation with surrounding communities.
These initiatives reflect the commitment of Chinese enterprises to achieving shared development and ensuring that infrastructure projects bring long-term benefits to local people.
As a renewable energy project, the Karot Hydropower Project places strong emphasis on environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
The project follows international environmental and social sustainability standards and has developed a comprehensive Biodiversity Management Plan covering ecological protection, environmental monitoring, and sustainable construction practices.
The project has received recognition as an example of green cooperation.
In 2021, the Karot Hydropower Project was included as one of the outstanding cases in the Belt and Road Green Development Case Report, jointly prepared by the Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition and China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
It was also highlighted in China’s report on progress toward implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Pakistani Ambassador to China Moin-ul-Haque noted that China Three Gorges Corporation has played an important role in China-Pakistan energy cooperation.
He said that projects such as the Karot Hydropower Project would make significant contributions to Pakistan’s economic development and social progress, and expressed hope for continued cooperation in the energy sector.
CTG Chairman Lei Mingshan stated that the company would continue working with all stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the project and contribute to Pakistan’s sustainable development.
He emphasized that CTG would continue following the principles of joint consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits, cooperating with countries along the Belt and Road to develop clean energy and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The Karot Hydropower Project represents more than an energy facility. It is a symbol of China-Pakistan cooperation, demonstrating how infrastructure development can promote economic growth, environmental sustainability, and people-to-people connections.
As a key project under CPEC, Karot reflects the shared vision of China and Pakistan to pursue:
The successful progress of the project highlights the strength of China-Pakistan friendship and the practical achievements of Belt and Road cooperation.
Received project support approval from Pakistan’s Private Power and Infrastructure Board.
Obtained the generation license from Pakistan’s electricity regulatory authority.
The governments of China and Pakistan included the Karot Hydropower Project among priority energy projects under CPEC.
Chinese and Pakistani leaders witnessed the official groundbreaking ceremony of the project.
Main construction works officially began.
The project achieved financial close, marking the completion of financing arrangements.
Major construction milestones were completed, including diversion tunnel excavation and river diversion preparation.
The project successfully achieved river diversion.
Concrete construction of all four intake towers was completed ahead of schedule.
The rotor of the first generating unit was successfully installed.
The second generating unit rotor installation was completed.
The third generating unit rotor installation was completed.
The Karot Hydropower Project successfully completed reservoir impoundment, marking a major milestone toward commercial operation.
