After studying hydroelectric potentials of Catchment area of Karun River in 1960s, the issue of developing and making big reservoirs (between kilometer 490 of the river and kilometer 800) were prospered. For developing Karun River between Gotvand and Shahid Abbaspour dams, some recommendations were presented by Harza Co. in 1967, by Monenko Co. in 1975 and by Akers Co. in 1982. The first proposed dam was in downstream of Shahid Abbaspour dam and it was Godar-Lander project which its studies were carried out by Moshanir- Lahmeyer consultants. Also other dams were studied by these Consultants which their approximate locations are as follows:
First option: River kilometer of 440
Second option: River kilometer of 419
Third option: including two sub-options in river kilometer of 383 and river kilometer of 377
Finally the contract of “Gotvand Olia” engineering services was concluded between the client and Moshanir-Kaytak consultants with the target of studying the feasibility of project execution in current location. The basic studies of Moshanir-Kaytak consultants was finished in 1997 and reviewed by Lahmeyer Co. In 2003, Mahab Qods Consulting Engineers were chosen as the project consultant for completing the studies of second phase and supervision of the operation.
Excavation of diversion tunnels and Gotvand Olia power plant began in April 1997, main civil works started in 2001 and the river was diverted into tunnels, after completion of upstream cofferdam in April 2003.

 

• In 1997 basic studies of the project was finished by Moshanir-Kaytak J/V and reviewed by Lahmeyer Co.
• In April of the same year the water diversion operation began with excavation of the diversion tunnels.
• In 2003 karun River was diverted.
• In 2003 upstream cofferdam of the project was constructed and excavation activities of power house started.
• In autumn 2005, first power station’s draft tube installed in fourth unit.
• In January 2006, embankment operation of clay core of dam body began.