Name and Location
Kholongchu hydroelectric power project, Bhutan.

Client
Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and SJVN.

Project Description
The project, located on the river Kholongchu, in Bhutan, will be a run-of-river facility. The project will comprise a 95-m-high, 165-m-long concrete gravity dam with an overflow length of 81 m, consisting of five lower-tier sluice gates and one upper-tier sluice gate.

The diversion of the Kholongchu river for the construction of the dam entails the construction of a 10-m-diameter and 420-m-long horseshoe-shaped diversion tunnel, which will be capable of diverting 1 112 m³/s of water. River flows up to 89 m³/s are proposed to be diverted for power generation through a 5.7-m-diameter, 15.8-km-long headrace tunnel.

Two underground desilting chambers are proposed to eliminate sediment particles greater than 0.2 mm in the water flowing through the turbines.

The water will be carried down to the powerhouse through two underground circular pressure shafts 1.2 km in length.

The underground powerhouse will be equipped with four 150 MW Pelton-type turbines for a total installed capacity of 600 MW.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
The project is expected to be completed by 2018.

Latest Developments
To expedite the establishment of a joint venture (JV) company and start the construction activities for the Kholongchu hydroelectric project, SJVN and DGPC signed a memorandum of understanding in April 2014.

SJVN and DGPC have decided to form the JV company within three months.

In the interim, a steering committee will be established to initiate statutory clearances and acquire land required for the project. After finalising the shareholders’ agreement, the JV will be formally registered.

SJVN and DGPC will arrange 70% in loans and invest equity of 15% each to make up the 30% shortfall.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
DGPC, tel +975 2 336413/4 or fax +975 2 336417.
SJVN, tel +91 177 267 0064 or fax +91 177 267 0542.