Primarily studies of establishing a pump-storage power plant in Alborz region began with the request from a Belgian consultant. These studies started in form of a cooperation between Iranian and Belgian governments. In 1970 first reports of these studies were submitted to The Ministry of Energy by Traksionel Co.
Preliminary geology operation started in the beginning of 1978 but it came to a halt after the victory of Islamic Revolution.
In 1983, design studies of phase 2 and tender documents preparation began by Moshanir-Lahmeyer J/V, which finished in 1985. Between 1985 and 19992 the complementary studies and detail designs were completed by Moshanir-Lahmeyer J/V and in order to expedite executive operation of some of the project parts such as diversion tunnels of upstream and downstream dams, a part of access tunnels to power house cavern, drainage tunnel of power house and some explosive test were completed. These activities continued till 1992.
All executive operation stopped since 1992 until 2001. The executive operation restarted in 2001 with grouting of diversion tunnels. Technical and economical reviews of the project, that had been started in 1999 by French EDF Co. and Moshanir Consulting Engineers, completed in 2002.
During 2002 and 2003, tender documents were prepared and executive operation of the project began with cooperation of Iranian contractors such as Farab, Tabliyeh, Kayson, Beta and Mechanic khak. It’s anticipated that this national project will be put into operation in 2011.