Karun3 powerhouse has produced more than 3500 GWh since the beginning of rain season at 2006 till the end of October 2008. Therefore it has delivered 9500 GWh energy since the commissioning. Karun3 hydropower plant has eight unit-powers with a capacity of 285 MG. It is planned to produce about 4172 GWh energy per year and to stabilize energy network through the country. The first two power-units were commissioned at March 2005 .consequently and while these units were operating other units were installed and commissioned every 3 month. The last two power-units were commissioned at September 2006.
This year at the beginning of summer season the impounded water in dam reservoir was about 2.7 BM3 (billion cubic meters) which is suitable for normal operation at summer time. Right now the lake contains about 2.2 BM3.
Karun3 powerhouse had a significant effect on country energy network through:
1 - Reducing frequency changes caused by load changes, and
2 – Stabilizing network voltage especially in Khuzestan province during summer time.
Karun3 has experienced several floods since startup . the most important are:
March 2004 flood with instant flow of 6500 cubic meter
February 2005 flood with instant flow of 9000 cubic meter
April 2007 flood with instant flow of 4300 cubic meter
And more than 5 season floods with instant flow of more than 2000 cubic meter.
Karun3 dam could damp all these floods and prevented damages to downstream cities and villages.
Karun3 dam is a concrete double arched dam and is highest in Iran for the time being. It has a height of 205 meters and more than 1300000 cubic meter of concrete was used to construct dam body. This dam is located at 200 kilometers north of Ahvaz city on Karun River.
Karun3 dam and powerhouse plant is at final stages of completion. Client and contractors are closing the remaining contact items. Powerhouse units are operated under guarantee conditions and necessary inspections are carried out. Current activities are:
Staffing new organization for normal long operating situation, and
Removing all installations and buildings which were used during dam construction.
694 B. Rials were allocated for karun3 plant till the end of 1385 fiscal year but 68 percent (477 B. Rials) was delivered.
The picture shows the installation of dam body oriffices