ISLAMABAD: Nestled by the flowing waters of the Jhelum River, the Karot Hydropower Plant (HPP) stands as a beacon of technological and environmental innovation. This bustling hub of renewable energy attracts not only seasoned engineers but also eager young minds looking to dive into the world of sustainable energy.
Among these budding experts are the interns at Karot HPP, who embark on a journey that transcends traditional classroom learning. These interns, coming from diverse educational backgrounds, are given a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge renewable energy technologies. Their days at the plant are filled with practical lessons, as they work closely with experienced engineers and technicians.
Ayesha Bilal, a PhD candidate in Thermal Energy Engineering at the U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E) at NUST, is one such intern. Sharing her experience as an intern at the Karot HPP Ayesha expressed that the hands-on experience broadened her knowledge and reinforced her passion for a sustainable future.
Speaking to media, Ayesha mentioned that she interned at Karot HPP with two others, being the first group after the MOU signed in December 2023 between USPCAS-E at UET Peshawar and Karot HPP. She described it as a fantastic chance to work with skilled engineers in the operations and maintenance department. She confidently stated that Karot HPP is a technological and environmental beacon.
During her internship, Ayesha observed firsthand operations and maintenance of the plant, learning about the dam, turbines, and generators. She gained insight into the engineers’ and technicians’ daily routines, who worked tirelessly to ensure the plant’s efficient functioning.
“The guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals allowed me to develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of the renewable energy sector’s challenges and opportunities,” she said. The Karot Hydropower Project is an asphalt-core rockfill gravity dam in Pakistan, with an installed capacity of 720 MW. The project is sponsored by Chinese state-owned company China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG). It is the first investment project of the Silk Road Fund, and is part of the much larger China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The project was successfully commissioned on June 29, 2022.
Karot Power plant is playing a crucial role in Pakistan’s energy landscape. It uses a run-of-the-river design, harnessing the Jhelum River’s flow to generate clean electricity without significant water storage, thereby minimizing ecological disruption. The plant’s advanced turbines and generators enhance efficiency and reliability, contributing to the national grid. –Agencies
