By YUAN SHENGGAO

Recognizing Pakistan’s clean energy potential early on, China Three Gorges South Asia Investment Ltd, or CSAIL, has been a pioneer in the country’s clean and renewable energy market and has made a long-term commitment in the sector under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Currently, CSAIL is operating three wind power projects that generate 150 megawatts in Pakistan’s Jhimpir wind farm and the 720 MW Karot Hydropower Project. The company also developed the 1,124 MW Kohala Hydropower Project and the 640 MW Mahl Hydropower Project. These initiatives make CSAIL a key partner in developing Pakistan’s Clean Energy Corridor, primarily by harnessing the hydropower potential of the Jhelum River. These projects will significantly benefit Pakistan’s energy mix, reduce its fuel imports and help meet its climate change targets. 

The Karot project

The Karot Hydropower Project serves as the cornerstone green energy initiative under the CPEC. Sponsored by China Three Gorges Corporation, it symbolizes the ever-stronger partnership between China and Pakistan, promising substantial economic, social and environmental gains under the CPEC. Since being commissioned in June 2022, the Karot Hydropower Station has generated 6 billion kilowatt-hours, saving about 2.6 million metric tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 6.56 million tons. It has met the electricity demand of more than 5 million people. Biodiversity and environmental protection are at the heart of CSAIL’s mission. The Karot project has created a comprehensive Biodiversity Management Plan for the project’s development and operational phases. The plan addresses regional biodiversity concerns while aiming for “no net loss”of aquatic life. The project was enlisted into the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a renowned environmental group that works at both the policy and community levels, to implement the BMP. Furthermore, the proposal aims to conserve two nearby national parks, which are included in the reservoir’s catchment area. The Karot project undertook Pakistan’s largest Community Investment Plan. Under it, the company sponsored 15 public infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, water supply systems, hospitals, schools and public parks. These projects have significantly improved the quality of life for people living around the project area. The company plans to continue its corporate social responsibility projects throughout the operational phase of the project in Pakistan. 

‘Iron brothers’ 

Upholding the ironclad friendship between the two countries, CSAIL has responded during Pakistan’s national emergencies. In 2020, during the global outbreak of COVID-19, China Three Gorges donated a large consignment of protective equipment to Pakistan, including 800,000 masks, 18,000 items of protective clothing and hundreds of other pieces of protective equipment. In 2022, Pakistan faced its worst floods in decades, affecting 33 million people, half of whom were children. In response to the prime minister’s appeal, the company donated $650,000 to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund through the country’s National Disaster Management Authority. CSAIL said it prides itself on standing with the Pakistani nation and working together to achieve a greener and more prosperous future for all. 

Green development

In June 2022, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the commissioning of the Karot project. In his address to the engineers and staff members, he expressed great joy at the project’s completion. He emphasized that the project will generate environmentally friendly and cheap electricity, promoting green development in Pakistan. In 2023, on the 10th anniversary of the CPEC, Chinese officials called for upgrading it into a green and innovative corridor.

(This is promotional content provided by China Three Gorges International Limited.)