Pakistan has been blessed with numerous rivers crucial for its agricultural-based economy. Considering water resources, Pakistan has 60,000 MW of hydropower potential in the country, of which only 7,320 MW has been developed (WAPDA,2019). Hydropower projects can create a food security buffer, provide clean drinking water to common residents, and create job opportunities for the people. Currently, Pakistan is facing an energy crisis, as about 51 million people lack access to electricity, and some 90 million suffer from the unreliable power supply and load shedding daily.
To increase energy production, Pakistan focuses on improving the share of renewable energy resources such as hydro, wind, solar, ocean tidal, etc. In this context, the Karot project is considered a vital hydropower project that will bring socio-economic development to the country and stabilise Pakistan’s economy by providing low-cost hydel electricity to the masses.
The Karot Hydropower project is the first hydropower investment project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that is being put into the entire commercial operation. It will provide quality and affordable green energy to support economic growth in Pakistan. The project is located 55 km from Islamabad and was constructed by a Chinese Corporation with an installed capacity of 720,000 kilowatts. According to the estimates, this project will reduce 3.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually and meet the power demand of about 5 million people. Meeting the electricity needs of Pakistanis residents will also transform Pakistan’s energy structure. The project is a significant energy cooperation project between China and Pakistan which will work as a friendship bridge between the countries. Water scarcity in Pakistan is a national security issue causing economic disaster and famine. However, this project will provide clean drinking water to Pakistani residents and create job opportunities for the locals.
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