Ghazi-Barotha Hydropower project

The Ghazi-Barotha Hydropower Project is a step towards renewable energy production in Pakistan.  Located on the Indus River, 7 km downstream of the Tarbela Dam, the plant utilises the head difference between the Tarbela River and the confluence of the Indus and Haro Rivers to generate clean and efficient energy.

The infrastructure consists of a main dam, which forms a reservoir to collect the discharged water, and a 52 km trapezoidal concrete lined power canal with a capacity of 1600 m³/s of water. Although construction was largely underground, some sections required embankments in addition to excavation.
In addition, 84 railway, road and pedestrian bridges were built over the canal to connect the different areas.

The project was completed with the construction of a power station with two reservoirs, spillways, intakes and penstocks. The plant is capable of producing an average annual energy that will contribute significantly to the energy needs of the region.

The Ghazi-Barotha Hydropower Project not only highlights the importance of renewable energy, but also demonstrates how advanced engineering can integrate efficient infrastructure with respect for the environment.