power system development plan for lao...

FINAL REPORT

Volume C : Project Catalogue August 2004

Power System Development Plan

for Lao PDR

*

POWER SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR LAO PDR Prepared for Lao People’s Democratic Republic Ministry of Industry & Handicrafts Department of Electricity World Bank

FINAL REPORT VOLUME C: PROJECT CATALOGUE

Prepared by

Maunsell Limited* in association with Lahmeyer GmbH 47 George Street, Newmarket PO Box 4241, Auckland New Zealand

August 2004

* formerly known as Meritec Limited

POWER SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR LAO PDR (August 2004) LIST OF DOCUMENTS Volume A : Main Report Volume B : Annexes VOLUME C : PROJECT CATALOGUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose of Project Catalogue ............................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Project Selection................................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Project Evaluation Process ................................................................................................................... 2

2. PROJECT PROFILES 2.1 DON SAHONG HYDROPOWER PROJECT ........................................................................................ 5 2.2 HONGSA LIGNITE THERMAL PROJECT............................................................................................ 7 2.3 HOUAY LAMPHAN GNAI HYDROPOWER PROJECT........................................................................ 9 2.4 NAM BAK 2B (NAM CHA) HYDROPOWER PROJECT ......................................................................11 2.5 NAM BENG HYDROPOWER PROJECT.............................................................................................13 2.6 NAM FA HYROPOWER PROJECT.....................................................................................................15 2.7 NAM KONG 1 HYDROPOWER PROJECT .........................................................................................17 2.8 NAM LONG HYDROPOWER PLANT..................................................................................................19 2.9 NAM MO HYDROPOWER PROJECT.................................................................................................21 2.10 NAM NGIEP 1 HYDROPOWER PROJECT.........................................................................................23 2.11 NAM NGIEU HYDROPOWER PROJECT ...........................................................................................25 2.12 NAM NGUM 1 EXTENSION PROJECT...............................................................................................27 2.13 NAM NGUM 2B HYDROPOWER PROJECT ......................................................................................29 2.14 NAM NGUM 3B HYDROPOWER PROJECT ......................................................................................31 2.15 NAM NGUM 5 HYDROPOWER PROJECT.........................................................................................33 2.16 NAM POT HYDROPOWER PROJECT ...............................................................................................35 2.17 NAM SANE 3 HYDROPOWER PROJECT..........................................................................................37 2.18 NAM SIM SMALL-SCALE HYDROPOWER PROJECT.......................................................................39 2.19 NAM THEUN 1F HYDROPOWER PROJECT .....................................................................................41 2.20 NAM THEUN 2 HYDROPOWER PROJECT .......................................................................................43 2.21 TAD SAMPHAMIT HYDROPOWER PROJECT ..................................................................................45 2.22 THAKHO (PHAPHENG) HYDROPOWER PROJECT .........................................................................47 2.23 THEUN HINBOUN EXPANSION (NAM THEUN 3) PROJECT............................................................49 2.24 VIENGPHOUKA THERMAL PROJECT...............................................................................................51 2.25 XE KAMAN 1 HYDROPOWER PROJECT ..........................................................................................53 2.26 XE KAMAN 3 HYDROPOWER PROJECT ..........................................................................................55 2.27 XE KATAM HYDROPOWER PROJECT..............................................................................................57 2.28 XE KONG 4 HYDROPOWER PROJECT ............................................................................................59 2.29 XE KONG 5 HYDROPOWER PROJECT ............................................................................................61 2.30 XE PIAN - XE NAMNOY HYDROPOWER PROJECT.........................................................................63 2.31 XE PON 3 HYDROPOWER PROJECT ...............................................................................................65 2.32 XESET 2 HYDROPOWER PROJECT.................................................................................................67 2.33 XESET 3 HYDROPOWER PROJECT.................................................................................................69

1. INTRODUCTION

Power System Development Plan August 2004 Final Report – Vol C: Project Catalogue 1

1.1 Purpose of Project Catalogue The Project Catalogue provides a brief, standalone, inventory level description of each of the projects evaluated as part of the formulation of the Power Sector Development Plan (PSDP). The Project Catalogue provides within a single bound volume a ready reference for quickly accessing the principal characteristics of the projects as they were evaluated for the PSDP. The project evaluations are necessarily brief but the projects were evaluated using common assumptions, methodologies and data to allow consistent comparison of their performance. In most cases two or more layouts were evaluated for each project, with the various layouts being optimized to suit the different roles that the project might fill in the domestic system and export markets. Only one configuration for each project is presented in the Project Catalogue, based where appropriate on a common Installed Capacity Factor of 1.75. 1.2 Project Selection The projects evaluated as part of the PSDP are specified in the Terms of Reference. This list was compiled from the results of a number of project specific and general planning studies undertaken in the last six years. The primary sources in this respect are listed in Table 1.1 Table 1.1: Previous Project Planning Studies

Study Year Focus

Project Development Strategy Studies:

Hydropower Development Plan for Lao PDR (Lahmeyer)

1998 Evaluation of projects > 50 MW

Nam Theun 2: Study of Alternatives (Lahmeyer / Worley)

1998 Export hydropower projects (IPPs)

Power System Planning in the MIH (Knight Piesold)

1997 Hydropower for domestic use (< 50MW)

Hydropower Development Strategy Study Lahmeyer / Worley)

1999 Ranking domestic and export projects

Power System Strategy Study (Electrowatt-Ekono)

2002 Projects for domestic use and export

EdL Power Development Plan 2001 (Electricite du Laos)

2000/1 Generation expansion for domestic and export

Basin Development Studies

Water Management Plan for the Nam Theun / Nam Hinboun, Lao PDR (Norplan)

1997 Coordinated water management in Nam Theun

Se Kong, Se San and Nam Theun River Basins Hydropower Study (Halcrow)

1999 Coordinated hydropower development in 3river basins

Nam Ngum Basin Development Sector Project (Hydroconsult)

2004+ Integrated water resources management of Nam Ngum


Thirty projects are listed in the PSDP TOR and to these four more were added and one discarded leaving a total of 33 projects. With the exceptions of the Hongsa and Viengphouka thermal plants, all projects specified in the TOR for evaluation are hydropower projects. The projects were evaluated in two stages. They were first evaluated using the EVALS software, with limited recognition of social and environmental effects. Based on these results, 19 projects were shortlisted for more thorough assessment and detailed assessment of social and environmental effects. Table 1.2 lists the evaluated projects. The locations of all evaluated projects are shown in Figure 1.1. Table 1.2: Catalogue Projects

SHORTLISTED PROJECTS OTHER CANDIDATE PROJECTS

• Houay Lamphan Gnai • Don Sahong • Nam Bak 2B (Nam Cha) • Hongsa Lignite (thermal)

• Nam Long • Nam Beng • Nam Mo • Nam Fa • Nam Ngiep 1 • Nam Kong 1 • Nam Ngum 2B • Nam Ngieu

• Nam Ngum 3B • Nam Ngum 1 Extension • Nam Ngum 5 • Nam Theun1F • Nam Pot • Tad Samphamit • Nam Sane 3 • Viengphouka Lignite (thermal)

• Nam Sim / Houay Bokay • Xe Pian – Xe Namnoy • Nam Theun 2 • Xepon 3 • Thakho (Papheng) • Xeset 2 • Theun Hinboun Expansion (Nam Theun 3) • Xeset 3

• Xe Kaman 1

• Xe Kaman 3

• Xe Katam

• Xe Kong 4

• Xe Kong 5

1.3 Project Evaluation Process Technical and economic assessment was carried out using EVALS software. This is described in Volume A, Main Report and in Volume B, Annexes (Annex 5).


Figure 1.1: Location of Shortlisted Projects

No: Name

1 Theun-Hinboun Extension2 Nam Theun 23 Xe Kaman 3

PHONSALY 4 Xe Kaman 15 Xe Kong 4

29 6 Xe Kong 5LUANG NAMTHA 7 Xe Katam

32 8 Xe Pian/Xe NamnoyBOKEO OUDOMXAY 9 Nam Kong 1

28 10 Nam Ngum 224 11 Nam Ngum 3

26 LUANG PRABANG 12 Nam Theun 131 13 Xeset 2

14 Xeset 316 XIENGKHUANG 15 Nam Ngiep 1

11 23 16 Nam Ngum 518

10 27 17 15

33 30 12 PAKXAN 1

VIENTIANE2

THAKHEK

No: Name

17 Nam Mo SAVANNAKHET 2518 Nam Pot19 Houay Lamphan Gnai20 Thakho21 Tad Samphamit SARAVANE22 Don Sahong 623 Nam Ngieu 5 SEKONG24 Nam Fa 1325 Xepon 3 PAKSE 14 15 326 Nam Beng 7 427 Nam Sane 3 8 ATTAPEU28 Nam Sim 929 Nam Long30 Nam Bak 2B31 Hongsa Lignite 2032 Viengphouka 22 2133 Nam Ngum 1 Extension

2. PROJECT PROFILES


2.1 DON SAHONG HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Don Sahong project is located in Champassak Province on the Mekong River. It involves the construction of a barrier between two islands in the mainstream and generates electricity from the head provided by the Khone Falls. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. The project is in a sensitive area. As a mainstream project within the Seephandone reach of the Mekong close to the Cambodian border, it is likely to arouse international interest. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:

• Existing field data – no new field data was collected;

• Updated hydrology (1966 to 2002 streamflow series);

• EVALS hydropower dimensioning and evaluation software;

The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs.


Technical and Economic Data (Source: EVALS Output):

Development: Installed Capacity Factor Run-of-river Contractual status MOU Level of study PrefeasibilityAccess Roads: New road 5 km Rehabilitation 0 kmHydrology: Name of river Mekong Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1631 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 1,0663.4 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 71.00 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 71.00 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 5.91 hm3

Active storage volume hm3

Maximum reservoir area (FSL) 1.6 km2

Reservoir filling time 0.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Gravity Maximum height 26 m Crest length 110 mSpillway: Spillway type n/a (Mekong) Design discharge n/a (Mekong)Power Station: Type Surface Number of units 4 Turbine type Kaplan Turbine rated head 20 mTransmission: Line Length 198 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 56 MW Average generation 356 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) GWh p.a. Secondary generation 356 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 72 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 88.35 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,823 US$/kW Average energy cost 3.2 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost1 6.4 ¢/kWh

1 The calculation of weighted generation cost values secondary energy at half the value of primary energy

based on a definition of primary energy as energy produced with 95% firmness.


2.2 HONGSA LIGNITE THERMAL PROJECT

The Hongsa Lignite project is a lignite-fired base load power generation project located in Xayabouri Province on a lignite deposit capable of supporting a 1,400 MW development. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:


• SCOPE thermal project evaluation software;

• Spreadsheet calculation of specific generation costs.

The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. The SCOPE outputs and spreadsheet calculation of specific generation cost are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the SCOPE evaluation. Emission control equipment sufficient to comply with international air emission standards are priced into the project’s capital and operating costs. Parameters and Performance of Honsa Lignite Project

Contractual status Concession Level of study Feasibility Study Market Export

Installed Capacity (MW) 1,400 Fuel Cost ($/tonne) 16 Fuel Heating Value (HHV) (MJ / tonne) 9.1 Fuel Consumption (mill tones p.a.) 11.00 Gross Heat Rate (LHV) (kJ / kWh) 9,500 Plant Factor (%) 82% Gross energy production (GWh p.a.) 9,980 Station Own Use (%) 7.4% Specific Investment Cost ($ / kW) 950

Average cost of energy (¢/kWh) 4.39 Weighted average cost of energy (¢/kWh) 5.27


The project was initially sized as a 720 MW development. A concession agreement was signed with GOL and a PPA was initialed with EGAT but the Project was unable to attract lender commitment. The tariff agreement with EGAT has since lapsed. The developer has increased the size of the project to capture economies of scale and improve its economic performance. It is also understood that EGAT is categorizing thermal and hydropower projects separately for the purposes of IPP power purchase and this may assist the project in overcoming intense competition from hydropower alternatives. The Project is too large for the domestic market and is being promoted for export to Thailand. It would interconnect with the EGAT system through Mae Moe. Opposition to lignite projects is growing due to their environmental impacts. New emission control technologies are being developed and this could improve the economic and environmental performance of Hongsa.


2.3 HOUAY LAMPHAN GNAI HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Houay Lamphan Gnai project is located in Attapeu Province on the Houay Lamphan Nai, a tributary of the Xe Kong. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. The dam is situated on the Bolavens Plateau and the Project generates electricity from the head provided by the Bolavens escarpment. The Project has good year round generation characteristics and is well positioned to reduce dependence on dry season imports in the Southern Grid. The Project has shown promise in a number of inventory level studies and has been identified as the priority project for the Southern Grid in the PSDP power system expansion studies. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:



• EVALS hydropower dimensioning and evaluation software.

• SESAMEE environmental and social impact assessment.

The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report. Little fieldwork has been carried out and information about the geology and hydrology of the site is limited. The Houay Lamphan Gnai is ungauged and there is an urgent need to improve the certainty of the mean annual flow estimate and to better understand the geology of the dam site and reservoir. A prefeasibility study is recommended to investigate the technical and economic aspects of the Project, including its role in supplying the Southern Grid.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75

Contractual status No mandate awarded

Level of study Inventory

Access Roads: New road 36 km

Rehabilitation km

Hydrology: Name of river Lamphan

Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,944 mm/a

Ave. Reservoir Inflow 6.4 m3/s

Reservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 820 m asl

Minimum operating level (MOL) 800 m asl

Max storage volume (FSL) 269 hm3

Active storage volume 150 hm3


Reservoir filling time 14.5 months

Dam: Main dam type RCC Gravity

Maximum height 77 m

Crest length 74.49 m

Spillway: Spillway type Gated Ogee

Design discharge 810.00m3/s

Power Station: Type Surface

Number of units 2

Turbine type Pelton

Turbine rated head 567 m

Transmission: Line Length 44 km

Voltage 115 kV

Access Roads: Length of new road 36 km

Length of rehabilitated road 0 km

Output: Installed Capacity 56 MW

Guaranteed capacity (95%) 54 MW

Average generation 249 GWh p.a.

Primary generation (95% firm) 240 GWh p.a.

Secondary generation 8 GWh p.a.

Average plant factor 50 %

Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 66.51 mUS$

Capacity cost 1,373 US$/kW

Average energy cost 3.4 ¢/kWh

Weighted energy cost2 3.4 ¢/kWh




2.4 NAM BAK 2B (NAM CHA) HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Bak 2B project is a basin transfer project located in the Xaisomboun Special Zone. It diverts water from the Nam Bak to the Nam Xan and generates electricity from the head created by the elevation difference between the basins. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. Nam Bak 2B was evaluated as a storage project by Knight Piesold (1997) and performed well. Subsequent inventory level studies confirm the Project’s promise. The developer with the current mandate undertook an inventory study of the site and configured the Project as a run-of-river. The deletion of the dam and reservoir reduced the Project’s capital cost and improved its average generation cost, but its weighted generation cost and its performance in system expansion studies suffered as a result of reduced generation in the dry season. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:





The EVALS outputs are provided. The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. Both the Nam Bak and Nam Xan flow into the Nam Ngum reservoir and there would therefore be little impact on generation at Nam Ngum once the Nam Bak reservoir has filled for the first time. As a basin transfer project, two basins are impacted. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status MOU Level of study InventoryAccess Roads: New road 50 km Rehabilitation 5 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Bak Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,944 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 9.3 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 1,030.00 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 1,000.00 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 186 hm3



Reservoir filling time 5.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Earthfill Maximum height 77 m Crest length 510 mDiversion: Design discharge 1,300 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 11.5 m Tunnel Length 550 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Chute Design discharge 1,022.00 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 3 Turbine type Pelton Turbine rated head 583 mTransmission: Line Length 24 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 85 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 80 MW Average generation 389GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 355 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 33 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 52 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 161 mUS$ Capacity cost 2,229 US$/kW Average energy cost 5.2 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost3 5.4 ¢/kWh




2.5 NAM BENG HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Beng Hydropower Project is located in Oudomxay Province on the Nam Beng. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. The project invoves the construction of a dam of about 40 m height and a power station at its base which generates from the head created by the dam. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:




The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. With a weighted generation cost over 6 ¢/kWh, the project is not attractive from an economic perspective but there are few good sites in northern Lao PDR and Nam Beng may find favor in a system sense by virtue of its location. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status No mandate issued Level of study InventoryHydrology: Name of river Nam Beng Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,944 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 25.4 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 430.00 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 410.00 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 101 hm3

Active storage volume 97.90 hm3


Reservoir filling time 1.5 monthsDam: Main dam type RCC Gravity Maximum height 37 m Crest length 160 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Chute Design discharge 1,890 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 2 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 78 mTransmission: Line Length 148 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 33 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 33 MW Average generation 125 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 104 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 21 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 43 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 61.54 mUS$ Capacity cost 2,081 US$/kW Average energy cost 6.0 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost4 6.5 ¢/kWh




2.6 NAM FA HYROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Fa Project is located in Bokeo Province on the Nam Fa (Nam Pha). The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. The project configuration developed for the PSDP involved a 130 m dam with a 70 MW power station at its base generating electricity from the head created by the dam. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:




The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. With a specific generation cost of 10 ¢/kWh, the Project is not attractive from an economic perspective and in the current market there are better generation alternatives for supplying north-western Lao PDR. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status No mandate issued Level of study InventoryAccess Roads: New road 10 km Rehabilitation 0 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Pha Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 2,166 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 45.2m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 530 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 515 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 2330 hm3



Reservoir filling time 19.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Faced Maximum height 130 m Crest length 600 mDiversion: Design discharge 1,690 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 10.8m Tunnel Length 740 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Chute Design discharge 2,000 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 2 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 98 mTransmission: Line Length 154 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 70 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 57 MW Average generation 295 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 280 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 15 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 47 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 237 mUS$ Capacity cost 4,101 US$/kW Average energy cost 10.5 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost5 10.8 ¢/kWh




2.7 NAM KONG 1 HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Kong 1 Hydropower Project is located in Attapeu Province on the Nam Kong, a southern tributary of the Se Kong River, in the upland area which forms the south eastern Lao border with Cambodia. The scheme is within 20km of the Lao-Cambodian border and about 30km south and west of the regional capital of Attapu.The location of the Project is shown in the attached plan. Due to its size, location and economics, Nam Kong 1 is envisaged primarily as an export project selling to Vietnam or Cambodia as its principal market No exclusive mandate to develop the site presently exists. The Nam Kong 1 project was identified in the 1995 JICA Se Kong Master Plan Study and was studied by Halcrow to pre-feasibility level in 1998. Social and environmental studies of the site have been carried out to IEE standards. The PSDP project configuration involves an 80 m dam and a headrace tunnel to divert stored flows to the powerhouse approximately 3 km downstream where electricity is generated using the head provided by the dam and the steep river gradient between dam and powerhouse. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:







Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status No mandate issued Level of study PrefeasibilityAccess Roads: New road 32 km Rehabilitation 0 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Kong Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,944 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 58.3 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 320 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 285 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 297 hm3



Reservoir filling time 1.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Gravity Maximum height 32 m Crest length 160 mDiversion: Design discharge 1,470 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 11.6 m Tunnel Length 400 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Chute Design discharge 2,750 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 4 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 163 mTransmission: Line Length 77 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 150 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 117 MW Average generation 626 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 365 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 260 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 46 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 202 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,525 US$/kW Average energy cost 4.1 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 6 5.1 ¢/kWh




2.8 NAM LONG HYDROPOWER PLANT

The Nam Long Hydropower Project is located on the Nam Long in Luangnamtha Province. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. It involves the construction of a small dam of about 18 m height and a headrace tunnel that cuts off a loop in the river to divert flows to the powerhouse some 10 km downstream. The head generated by the dam and river gradient is about 470 m. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:





Luangnamtha will connect to the Central Grid in 2006 under the ADB Power Transmission Development 2 project. The Project would therefore interconnect with the EdL system through a transmission line to Luangnamtha. The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. With a weighted generation cost of 5.5 ¢/kWh, the project is attractive but in the current market it is more expensive than alternative sites in the Central Grid. However, it is ideally located to provide system benefits including voltage support, loss reduction and supply security for the loads in the northern provinces. The EVALS outputs are provided. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report. A feasibility study of the project is recommended.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor Run-of-river Contractual status No mandate issued Level of study InventoryAccess Roads: New road 15 km Rehabilitation kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Long Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,944 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 2.9 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 1,010 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 1,010 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 0.37 hm3



Reservoir filling time 0.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Gravity Maximum height 18 m Crest length 110 mDiversion: Design discharge m3/s Tunnel Diameter 3.0 m Tunnel Length 5,800 mSpillway: Spillway type Ungated Ogee Design discharge 299 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 2 Turbine type Pelton Turbine rated head 471 mTransmission: Line Length 33 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 11.93 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 11.92 MW Average generation 63 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 50 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 13 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 60 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 25.88 mUS$ Capacity cost 2,390 US$/kW Average energy cost 5.0 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 7 5.5 ¢/kWh




2.9 NAM MO HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Mo Hydropower Project is located on the Nam Mo in Xiengkhouang Province. Nam Mo is being promoted as an export project to Vietnam. Its layout is shown in the attached plan. The Project is in the upper headwaters of the Nam Mo, where a dam of about 50 m would create a small reservoir of approximately 11 km2 and a headrace tunnel would divert flows to a downstream powerhouse taking advantage of the steep river gradient to create more head.

Lack of access to data related to downstream social and environmental conditions in Vietnam has limited the evaluation presented here of the implications for Lao PDR. The Project has been studied to feasibility level by its developer. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:





The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are excellent. They are summarized in the following table. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status Concession Level of study FeasibilityAccess Roads: New road 50 km Rehabilitation 10 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Mo Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,944 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 10.1 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 1,320.00 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 1,280.00 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 291 hm3



Reservoir filling time 8.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Earthfill Maximum height 82 m Crest length 94.38 mDiversion: Design discharge 1,420 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 12.6 m Tunnel Length 680 mSpillway: Spillway type Ungated Ogee Design discharge 2,890 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 4 Turbine type Pelton Turbine rated head 803 mTransmission: Line Length 44 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 125 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 118 MW Average generation 602 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 589 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 12 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 54 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 116 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,067 US$/kW Average energy cost 2.4 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 8 2.4 ¢/kWh




2.10 NAM NGIEP 1 HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Ngiep 1 Project is located on the Nam Ngiep in Bolikhamxay Province. The location of the Project is shown in the attached plan. The Project with an ICF of 1.75 involves a main dam of about 150 m height creating a storage and head that is used for generating about 330 MW from a powerhouse located at the base of the dam. The project configuration includes a smaller downstream dam to re-regulate power station discharges. A generator at the re-regulation dam would have an output of about 40 MW. Due to its size, location and economics, Nam Ngiep 1 is well suited for an export role selling to Thailand or Vietnam or for supplying the domestic market. The PSDP system expansion analyses indicate that the optimal installed capacity of the Project for supplying the Central Grid would be about 215 MW. An exclusive mandate was awarded to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to investigate the site and the studies confirm the promise indicated in earlier studies. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:





The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status Japanese consortium Level of study Feasibility studyAccess Roads: New road 0 km Rehabilitation 7 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Ngiep Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 2,900 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 161.5 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 320 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 296 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 2,250 hm3

Active storage volume 1,190 hm3


Reservoir filling time 2.9 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Faced Rockfill Maximum height 148 m Crest length 490 mDiversion: Design discharge 2,330 m3/s(main dam only) Tunnel Diameter 2 trnnels-11.2m ea Tunnel Length 1,100 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated chute(main dam only) Design discharge 4,830 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface/surface(Reg dam Number of units 2/2in brackets) Turbine type Francis/Kaplan Turbine rated head 127m (16m)Transmission: Line Length 137 km Voltage 230 kVOutput: Installed Capacity (inc re-reg dam) 330 MW (40 MW) Guaranteed capacity (95%) 258 MW (39 MW)(Reg dam Average generation 1,362 (174) GWh p.a.in brackets) Primary generation (95% firm) 1,031 (127) GWh p.a. Secondary generation 331 (46) GWh p.a. Average plant factor 47% (50%)Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 59.6 mUS$ Capacity cost 1.576 US$/kW(Reg dam Average energy cost 3.3 (4.1) ¢/kWhin brackets) Weighted energy cost9 3.7 (4.7) ¢/kWh




2.11 NAM NGIEU HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Ngieu Hydropower Project is located in Xiengkhouang Province on the Nam Ngieu, a tributary of the Nam Ngiep. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. The Project involves the construction of a dam of about 30 m height and a headrace tunnel of 3.7 km to mobilize a total head of about 190 m. Transmission interconnection with the Central Grid would be effected through an 8 km line to Phonsavan. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:




The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. With a weighted generation cost of 5.9 ¢/kWh, the economics of the Project are marginal. IPP off-take from Nam Mo would provide a more attractive source of generation and system support for the Xiengkhouang area (provided Nam Mo proceeds).



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status No mandate awarded Level of study InventoryAccess Roads: New road 8 km Rehabilitation kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Ngiep Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,729 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 11.0 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 1,059 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 1,059 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 21.21 hm3


Reservoir filling time 0.5 monthsDam: Main dam type RCC Gravity Maximum height 30 m Crest length 160 mDiversion: Design discharge m3/s Tunnel Diameter 3.6 m Tunnel Length 3,700 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Ogee Design discharge 1,890 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 3 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 188 mTransmission: Line Length 8 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 31.08 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 30.99 MW Average generation 133 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 28 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 104 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 48 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 40.20 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,358 US$/kW Average energy cost 3.5 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 10 5.9 ¢/kWh




2.12 NAM NGUM 1 EXTENSION PROJECT

The existing Nam Ngum 1 power station is located in Vientiane Province and is the pivotal generation facility in the EdL system. The facility includes five units for a total installed capacity of 150 MW facility and was developed in three stages through the late sixties and early seventies. The Nam Ngum Extension Project proposes an augmentation of the facility’s generating capacity. In 1995, the Nam Song and Nam Leuk projects were moving towards implementation. Both projects diverted additional flows into the Nam Ngum reservoir and various options for increasing the installed capacity at the existing Nam Ngum 1 power station were therefore studied to determine how best to exploit the augmented generation flows (Nam Ngum 1 Hydropower Station Extension, Feasibility and Engineering Study, Lahmeyer/Worley, 1995). Under the pricing regime of the time for non-firm exports to EGAT, the addition of new capacity through upgrades of Units 1 and 2 was attractive but a new unit was marginal. The layout of the preferred augmentation option from that study is provided. Under the PSDP, augmentations to the capacity of Nam Ngum 1 were re-evaluated using:




• EVSYS module for evaluating coordinated operation of two or more projects to compare outputs of the existing facility with an augmented facility;

• SEXSI Power System Expansion software, to determine the incremental benefits of additional capacity at Nam Ngum 1 by simulating the operation of the Project within the interconnected EdL / EGAT system.

An extension comprising a single 40 MW unit was investigated. The EVSYS outputs are provided for the existing Nam Ngum 1 power station (150 MW) and for the Nam Ngum 1 Extension (150 MW + 40 MW). The incremental performance of the extension works is calculated as the difference between these outputs. Interactions with the Nam Ngum 2, Nam Ngum 3 and Nam Ngum 5 projects were investigated. Simulations demonstrate that the Nam Ngum Extension scenario was not the least-cost development path for the system because IPP off-take from the Nam Theun 2 and Theun Hinboun Expansion projects provides sufficient power for the system and results in the Nam Ngum output being exported. Exports to EGAT are priced as non-firm energy, well under the specific weighted cost of generation. This situation prevails for a period of about 5 years by which time demand in the grid has grown enough to accommodate Nam Ngiep 1, a project preferred to Nam Ngum Extension because of its lower weighted generation cost.


A more detailed appraisal of the Project may be justified for two reasons:

1. An extension of the existing Nam Ngum power station would have a shorter construction time than an equivalent greenfield project (provided plant procurement could be fast-tracked) and could be brought on-line relatively quickly;

2. The project has characteristics that make it attractive to multilateral and bilateral agencies and may therefore be more readily financeable under concessional terms.


2.13 NAM NGUM 2B HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Ngum 2B Hydropower Project is located on the Nam Ngum immediately upstream of the existing Nam Ngum 1 reservoir in the Xaysomboun Special Zone. The location of the Project is shown in the attached plan. Due to its size, location and economics, the Nam Ngum 2 project is envisaged primarily as an export project selling to Thailand as its principal market. A concession has been awarded to the Shlapak Group to develop the site. The Project comprises a dam with a power station at its base generating from the head created by the dam. The developer prepared a feasibility study of the site using a FSL of 375 masl. At this level the reservoir would inundate 122 km2, creating a large dendritic reservoir and requiring the resettlement of large numbers of local inhabitants. Land suitable for resettlement in the area is not abundant. Other difficult social and environmental problems also attend a reservoir of this size and location and have been an obstacle in financing the Project. As part of a general optimization of the Nam Ngum basin, Electrowatt-Ekono (Power Sector Strategy Study, 2002) proposed a variant, Nam Ngum 2B, with a FSL of around 285 masl (refer Section 2.14). The lower FSL avoids many of the Project’s impacts but it also reduces seasonal regulation of the river and undermines the economics of Nam Ngum 2B as a standalone project. With Nam Ngum 3 providing upstream regulation, it is attractive. The Consultant evaluated the Nam Ngum 2B Project using:





The technical and economic characteristics of the Nam Ngum 2B Project are summarized in the following table. The tabulated results assume upstream regulation from Nam Ngum 3B. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status Concession Level of study Nam Ngum 2B - InventoryAccess Roads: New road 25 km Rehabilitation 0 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Ngum Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 2,166 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 193.5 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 280 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 248 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 201 hm3



Reservoir filling time 0.5 monthsDam: Main dam type RCC Gravity Maximum height 88 m Crest length 190 mDiversion: Design discharge 1,970 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 12.4 m Tunnel Length 300 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Ogee Design discharge 7,600 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 3 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 59 mTransmission: Line Length 88 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 196 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 195 MW Average generation 757 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 128 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 628 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 43 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 180 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,063 US$/kW Average energy cost 3.0 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 11 5.2 ¢/kWh




2.14 NAM NGUM 3B HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Ngum 3B Hydropower Project is located on the Nam Ngum immediately upstream of the proposed Nam Ngum 2B reservoir in the Xaysomboun Special Zone. Due to its size, location and economics, the Project is envisaged primarily as an export project selling to Thailand as its principal market. The location of the Project is shown in the attached plan. An exclusive mandate to develop the site has been awarded to GMS of Thailand and a feasibility study of the Nam Ngum 3 Project has been completed. The Nam Ngum 3 dam creates a reservoir extending approximately 80 km upstream through the steep and narrow valley. The Project involves extensive and expensive civil works (210 m high dam and 11 km headrace tunnel) and as a consequence the economics of the Project are marginal. In addressing this and the problems of the Nam Ngum 2 Project (refer Section 2.13), Electrowatt-Ekono (Power Sector Strategy Study, 2002) proposed an optimization of the Nam Ngum above the existing Nam Ngum 1 reservoir. This involved the reconfiguration of both projects (Nam Ngum 2B and Nam Ngum 3B) to improve the viability of both projects. The Nam Ngum 3 configuration prepared by the developer involves a powerhouse located on the right bank of the Nam Ngum just above the confluence with the Nam Phay. In this location the gross head developed by the dam and waterways is around 335 masl. As part of the optimization carried out by Electrowatt-Ekono, the Nam Ngum 3B variant was proposed, which took advantage of the steep river gradient by relocating the powerhouse further downstream to capture an additional 60 m of head. The installed capacity of Nam Ngum 3B was increased to about 690 MW. The Consultant evaluated the Nam Ngum 3B Project using:





The technical and economic characteristics of the Nam Ngum 3B Project are summarized in the following table. No project interactions were assumed in the tabulated results. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status Concession Level of study Nam Ngum 3B - inventoryAccess Roads: New road 68 km Rehabilitation 46 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Ngum Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 2,166 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 110.8 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 720 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 660 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 1,320 hm3



Reservoir filling time 2.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Faced Maximum height 210 m Crest length 410 mDiversion: Design discharge 1,110 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 11.7 m Tunnel Length 900 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Chute Design discharge 5990 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 4 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 390 mTransmission: Line Length 198 km Voltage 220 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 690 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 553 MW Average generation 2,858 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 2,256 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 602 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 47 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 773 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,366 US$/kW Average energy cost 3.5 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 12 3.9 ¢/kWh




2.15 NAM NGUM 5 HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Ngum 5 Hydropower Project is located in Xiengkhuang Province. The dam is situated on the Nam Ting, a right bank tributary of the Nam Ngum in the upper reaches of the basin. The headrace tunnel cuts off a loop of the Nam Ting and delivers generation flows to a powerhouse located on the right bank of the Nam Ngum downstream of the Nam Ting confluence. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. Other layouts using lower or intermediate dam sites and other powerhouse sites should be investigated. The Nam Ngum 5 site could support hydropower development up to about 100 MW and at this size the Project is best suited as a domestic project selling to EdL unless a joint operation arrangement is reached with a downstream export IPP. The Project was studied to pre-feasibility level in 1997. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:





The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status MOU Level of study PrefeasibilityAccess Roads: New road 22 km Rehabilitation 20 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Ngum Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,944 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 17.0 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 1100 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 1060 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 318 hm3



Reservoir filling time 4.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Arch Maximum height 97 m Crest length 260 mDiversion: Design discharge 30 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 4.4 m Tunnel Length 6,200 mSpillway: Spillway type Ungated Ogee Design discharge 1,300 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 2 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 271 mTransmission: Line Length 77 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 75 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 59 MW Average generation 317 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 284 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 32 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 49 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 114 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,907 US$/kW Average energy cost 4.7 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 13 4.9 ¢/kWh




2.16 NAM POT HYDROPOWER PROJECT Nam Pot is a hydropower project of around 20 to 25 MW located in Xiangkhouang Province. Due to its size, location and economics, Nam Pot project is best suited to a domestic role, supplying the Central Grid. A mandate was awarded to VKS of India to develop the site but it is inactive. The Project is located appropriately 30km south-southeast of Xiangkhouang. A small dam is situated on the Nam Pot, a tributary of the Nam Siam, which in turn discharges into the Nam Ngiep. The dam site is located some 3.5km upstream of the confluence of the Nam Pot with the Nam Siam. Downstream of the dam, the Nam Pot falls through a height of 700m over a reach of 3.5km. Upstream of the dam, the river flows at a relatively shallow, wide bottomed gradient, although the area inundated by the reservoir would be very small and confined to a narrow northwest to southeast trending valley. The proposed power station site is on the left bank of the Nam Siam just upstream of its confluence with Nam Pot. The Project was studied by Knight Piesold to inventory level in 1997. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:








Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status MOU (inactive) Level of study InventoryAccess Roads: New road 22 km Rehabilitation 0 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Pot Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,729 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 1.9 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 1,140 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 1,127 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 52.08 hm3



Reservoir filling time 7.5 monthsDam: Main dam type RCC Gravity Maximum height 26 m Crest length 130 mSpillway: Spillway type Ungared Ogee Design discharge 340 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 2 Turbine type Pelton Turbine rated head 673 mTransmission: Line Length 6 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 20 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 19.4 MW Average generation 92 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 89 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 3GWh p.a. Average plant factor 53 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 23.93 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,398 US$/kW Average energy cost 3.4 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 14 3.4 ¢/kWh




2.17 NAM SANE 3 HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Sane 3 Hydropower Project is located in Xiengkhouang Province on the Nam Sane. The location of the Project is shown in the attached plan. The Project as configured in the PSDP consists of a dam of about 45 m in the headwaters of the Nam Sane impounding a reservoir of about 6 km2. A headrace tunnel of about 6 km in length conveys the generation flows to the powerhouse located on the right bank of the Nam Sane. The gross head created by the dam and river gradient is about 800 m. Output is produced by two Pelton units with an aggregate capacity of 60 MW. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:





The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. The Project economics are excellent but there is uncertainty about the number of people displaced by the Project. A prefeasibility study and Initial Environmental Examination should be conducted as a soon as possible to confirm the project hydrology, geology and topography, and to obtain data on the social and ecological characteristics of the project area. Due to its size, location and economics, Nam Sane 3 project would be well suited to supplying the Central Grid. If impacts are manageable, the Project should be evaluated in a system expansion context. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status Non active mandate Level of study InventoryAccess Roads: New road 8 km Rehabilitation 4 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Sane Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,890 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 4.9 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 1450 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 1428 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 90.30 hm3



Reservoir filling time 3.5 monthsDam: Main dam type RCC Gravity Maximum height 43 m Crest length 180 mSpillway: Spillway type Ungated Ogee Design discharge 845 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 2 Turbine type Pelton Turbine rated head 807 MTransmission: Line Length 44 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 60 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 59.0 MW Average generation 286 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 269 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 16 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 53 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 57.35 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,092 US$/kW Average energy cost 2.6 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 15 2.6 ¢/kWh




2.18 NAM SIM SMALL-SCALE HYDROPOWER PROJECT The Nam Sim is a project of under 10 MW located in Houaphan Province. Due to its size, location and economics, Nam Sim project is envisaged primarily for supplying Sam Neua, Vieng Xay and other centers in the vicinity of the Project. The location of the Project is shown in the attached plan. The Nam Sim is a tributary of the Song Ma river, originating in the Annamite Range in Lao PDR and flowing eastwards into Vietnam where it enters the Gulf of Tonkin at Thanh Hoa. The Project consists of a small dam to capture and divert the streamflow, a 1400 m headrace canal and steel penstock to convey the water to a powerhouse, and two horizontal Francis units to generate electricity. The gross head developed by the dam and river gradient is about 160 m. No exclusive mandate to develop the site presently exists. The Project was studied by Hydropower Office to inventory level in 1999. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:








Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.00 Contractual status No mandate issued Level of study InventoryAccess Roads: New road 4 km Rehabilitation kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Sim Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 2,320 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 5.8 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 638 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 636 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 0.90 hm3



Reservoir filling time 0.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Gravity Maximum height 7 m Crest length 23.35 mHeadrace Canal: Design discharge 5.8 m3/s Canal Length 1,400 m Top Width 3.4 m Bottom Width 1.9 m Lining ShotcreteDesilting Basin: Basin type Conventional No. of Basins 2Power Station: Type Surface Number of units 2 Turbine type Horizontal Francis Turbine rated head 163 mTransmission: Line Length 29 km Voltage 22 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 8.2 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 8.0 MW Average generation 47 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 17 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 29 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 65 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 10.75 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,379 US$/kW Average energy cost 2.7 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 16 4.0 ¢/kWh




2.19 NAM THEUN 1F HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Theun 1 Hydropower Project is located on the Nam Kading on the border between Bolikhamxai and Khammouane Provinces. The layout of the Project shown in the attached plan relates to a reservoir FSL of 300 m asl as proposed in the 1995 Electrowatt feasibility study. It included a arch-gravity concrete dam of over 180 m and a power station incorporated into it. Both Halcrow (1998) and Electrowatt-Ekono (2002) have studied alternatives. These include Nam Theun 1F, based on an RCC dam and a FSL of 250 masl. This option is associated with a lower capital cost and fewer social and environmental problems, but the smaller reservoir cannot provide full seasonal regulation and the weighted generation cost suffers. The Consultant has evaluated several project alternatives using:




The results of the EVALS evaluations are presented in the following table:

Project Configuration MW FSL

(m asl)

Average Generation

Cost (¢/kWh)

Weighted Generation

Cost (¢/kWh)

Nam Theun 1 F: w/- THB (210 MW) & Nam Theun 2 (1074 MW)

400

250

4.90

7.50

Nam Theun 1: w/- Theun Hinboun (315 MW) upstream

600

300

3.23

5.68

Nam Theun 1: w/- Theun Hinboun (315 MW), NT3 storage & Nam Theun 2 (1074 MW)

600

300

5.37

8.15

The technical and economic characteristics of Nam Theun 1F are summarized in the following table and in the attached EVALS output. Project interactions assumed in determining these outputs include Nam Theun 2 (1074 MW) and Theun Hinboun (210 MW). Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The PSDP evaluation results for Nam Theun 1F contrast with those derived by Electrowatt-Ekono who calculates the average and weighted generation cost to be 2.97 ¢/kWh and 3.63 ¢/kWh respectively. The development of Theun Hinboun Expansion with upstream regulation storage at the Nam Theun 3 site would increase the diversion of flows from the Nam Theun basin at the Theun Hinboun power station and reduce the generation flows available to Nam Theun 1.


Nam Theun 1F: Technical and Economic Data (Source: EVALS Output):

Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.30 Contractual status MOU Level of study Nam Theun 1F - Inventory Interactions NT2 (1074 MW); THB (210 MW)Hydrology: Name of river Nam Theun Av. annual precipitation 2,508 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 322.7 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 250 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 210 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 918 hm3



Reservoir filling time 1.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Arch Gravity Maximum height 133 m Crest length 285 mDiversion: Design discharge 1,140 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 10.5 m Tunnel Length 610 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Ogee Design discharge 17,700 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 6 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 95 mTransmission: Line Length 220 km Voltage 220 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 400 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 343 MW Average generation 1,332 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 425 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 906 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 38 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc / IDC) 495 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,541 US$/kW Average energy cost 4.9 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 17 7.5 ¢/kWh




2.20 NAM THEUN 2 HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectric Project is a trans basin project with a dam on the Nam Theun in Bolikhamxai Province and the power station and downstream works in Khammouane Provinces. The Project involves the diversion of flows from the Nakai Plateau in the upper reaches of the Nam Theun to the Gnommalat plain at the base of the plateau escarpment. This creates a head of about 300m. Flows will be diverted to a powerhouse at the base of the plateau escarpment, from where a channel will be excavated to convey flows to the Xe Bang Fai. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. A concession to develop the Project is held by a consortium led by Electricite de France. A power purchase agreement has been executed with EGAT and the World Bank is appraising the developer’s application for a partial risk guarantee. Lender due diligence processes are in progress. Preliminary construction works will begin in 2004 and the Project is scheduled for completion in 2009. The Project has been studied extensively over its long implementation history. Snowy Mountain Engineering Corporation prepared a feasibility study in 1991 and a wide range of technical, social, environmental, financial and economic studies have since been completed. The PSDP TOR defines specific Nam Theun 2 tasks and the responses are set out in Section 10 of Volume A, Main Report. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:





The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table and EVALS outputs are provided for the base case project. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.35 Contractual status Concession

Level of study Contract Reference Design

Access Roads: New road 61 km Rehabilitation 88 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Theun Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,997 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 245.3 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 538.0 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 525.5 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 3,680 hm3



Reservoir filling time 2.5 monthsDam: Main dam type RCC Gravity Maximum height 44 m Crest length 310 mDiversion: Design discharge 576 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 8.0 m Tunnel Length 200 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Ogee Design discharge 8,260 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of Francis units 4 Number of Pelton units 2 Turbine rated head 356 mTransmission: Line Length 158 km Voltage 500 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 1,074 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 1,010 MW Average generation 5,921 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 4,883 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 1,037 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 63 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 617 mUS$ Capacity cost 667 US$/kW Average energy cost 1.3 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 18 1.4 ¢/kWh




2.21 TAD SAMPHAMIT HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Tad Samphamit Project is located in is located in Champassak Province on the Mekong River. It involves the construction of an intake in a channel between two islands in the Seephandone area. A headrace canal and penstock conveys the generation flows to a power station at the base of the Khone Falls on the Don Sahong bank. About 20 m of head is created by the falls. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. The Seephandone is a sensitive area close to the Cambodian border and the construction of the Tad Samphamit Project is likely to arouse international interest. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:




The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. A pre-condition for further promoting the Tad Samphamit Project is a detailed environmental impact study to determine the effect of constructing and operating the Project on the aesthetic and ecological assets of the area.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor Run-of-river Contractual status No mandate issued Level of study InventoryHydrology: Name of river Mekong Av. annual precipitation (intake site) 1,631 mm/a Av. flow 10,663 m3/sUpstream River: Full supply level (FSL) 74.00 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 71.60 m aslDam: Dam type NoneHeadrace Canal: Design discharge 319 m3/s Top width 14.0 m Bottom width 11.3m Canal Length 2,200 mPenstock: Type Surface, steel Length 24.4 m Diameter 9.4 m Design discharge m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 2 Turbine type Kaplan Turbine rated head 20 mTransmission: Line Length 144 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 56 MW Average generation 357 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 72 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 111 mUS$ Capacity cost 2,171 US$/kW Average energy cost 3.8 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 19 not applicable

19 Tad Samphamit generates counter-seasonally, with stronger output in the dry season when tailwater

levels are lower. The concept of weighted generation cost is therefore an inappropriate measure in the context of this project.


2.22 THAKHO (PHAPHENG) HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Thakho Project is located in Champassak Province in the Seephandone reach of the Mekong River. It involves the construction of an intake on the left bank of the Mekong above the Phapheng Falls. Water is drawn into a tunnel and is conveyed to a powerhouse located at the base of the falls. About 20 m of head is created by the falls. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. The Seephandone is a sensitive area close to the Cambodian border and the construction of the Thakho Project is likely to arouse international interest. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:





The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report. A pre-condition for further promoting the Thakho Project is a detailed environmental impact study to determine the effect of constructing and operating the Project on the aesthetic and ecological assets of the area.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor Run-of-river Contractual status MOU Level of study InventoryAccess Roads: New road 5 km Rehabilitation 0 kmHydrology: Name of river Mekong Av. annual precipitation (intake site) 1,944 mm/a Av. river flow 10,663 m3/sUpstream River: River level (FSL) 74.00 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 73.00 m aslDam: Main dam type NoneIntake: Design discharge 319 m3/s Length of underground intake 42.85 mHeadrace Tunnel: Design Discharge 320 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 12 m Tunnel Length 790 mPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 2 Turbine type Kaplan Turbine rated head 21 mTransmission: Line Length 144 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 60 MW Average generation 402 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 76 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 83.73 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,535 US$/kW Average energy cost 2.5 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 20 Not applicable

20 Thakho generates counter-seasonally, with stronger output in the dry season when tailwater levels are

lower. The concept of weighted generation cost is therefore an inappropriate measure in the context of this project.


2.23 THEUN HINBOUN EXPANSION (NAM THEUN 3) PROJECT

The Theun Hinboun Expansion Project is located in on the Nam Kading in Bolikhanxay Province. Options considered involve an expansion of generation through:

1. additional generating capacity at the existing power station; and

2. the construction of an upstream regulating storage (with and without generation) on the Nam Gnouang to regulate seasonal flows and improve dry season generation (Nam Theun 3 component).

The Consultant evaluated eight Project options using:





The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. Project interactions considered in determining these outputs included upstream diversion of flow at the Nam Theun 2 Project. Theun Hinboun Expansion – Evaluation of Options

Incremental Works Additional Capacity

(MW)

Average Generation

Cost (¢/kWh)

Weighted Generation

Cost (¢/kWh)

1 1 additional unit at THB PS 105 1.51 2.92

2 2 additional units at THB PS 210 3.91 7.73

3 NT3 dam with no PS 0 1.26 1.30

4 NT3 dam + 1 unit at THB PS 105 1.22 1.26

5 NT3 dam + 2 units at THB PS 210 1.28 1.31

6 NT3 dam & PS (195 MW) 195 1.54 1.61

7 NT3 dam & PS + 1 unit at THB 300 1.49 1.58

8 NT3 dam & PS + 2 units at THB 405 1.45 1.56 The EVALS outputs and layout plan for the Nam Theun 3 component of the Project are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report.


Nam Theun 3 Storage and Generation: Technical and Economic Data (Source: EVALS Output : 195 MW at NT3 + incremental gains at Theun Hinboun)

Development: Installed Capacity Factor 2.30 Contractual status Concession Level of study FeasibilityAccess Roads: New road 28 km Rehabilitation 0 kmHydrology: Name of river Nam Theun Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 2,508 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 97.2 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 540 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 430 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 4,960 hm3



Reservoir filling time 16.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Rockfill Maximum height 117 m Crest length 540 mDiversion: Design discharge 30.32 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 3.0 m Tunnel Length 640 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Chute Design discharge 6,700 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 2 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 92 mTransmission: Line Length 176 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 190 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 177 MW Average generation 616 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 519 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 97 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 34 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 341 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,943 US$/kW Average energy cost 7.0 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 21 50.0¢/kWh




2.24 VIENGPHOUKA THERMAL PROJECT

The Viengphouka Thermal Project is a mine-mouth coal-fired base load power generation project located in Luangnamtha Province. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:


• SCOPE thermal project evaluation software;

• Spreadsheet calculation of specific generation costs.

The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. The SCOPE outputs and spreadsheet calculation of specific generation cost are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the SCOPE evaluation. Emission control equipment sufficient to comply with international air emission standards is allowed for in the project’s capital and operating costs. Concerns about global warming have increased opposition to coal-fired thermal projects in recent years. New generation emission control equipment is under development and this could improve the economic and environmental performance of Vienphouka. Parameters and Performance of Vienphouka Project

Market Domestic – Central Grid Installed Capacity (MW) 50 Fuel Cost ($/tonne) 22 Fuel Heating Value (HHV) (MJ / tonne) 19.1 Fuel Consumption (mill tones p.a.) 0.306 Gross Heat Rate (LHV) (kJ / kWh) 15,000 Plant Factor (%) 85% Gross energy production (GWh p.a.) 372 Station Own Use (%) 7.4% Specific Investment Cost ($ / kW) 804 Average cost of energy (¢/kWh) 4.05 Weighted average cost of energy (¢/kWh) 4.83

At 50 MW, the Viengphouka proposal is small for a coal plant and lacks the economies of scale important for such plants. However, the properties of the coal it would burn are superior to those of the Hongsa deposit. If Viengphouka were to be constructed to international standards, it would be uneconomic and Chinese prices were used to improve the viability of the project.


As a standalone project, Viengpoukha’s economics are reasonable. The economic weighted average cost of generation was estimated to be 4.83 ¢/kWh, based on a plant factor in excess of 80%. This result is not directly comparable with the calculated weighted average costs of generation for competing hydropower plants quoted in this report. Project performance was also assessed within the context of the EdL system. A thermal project operating within a hydropower system will be lower in the dispatch order and will achieve low levels of utilization during wetter than average years to minimize spill from the hydropower reservoirs. The lower levels of utilization over the life of the plant increase the cost of energy from Viengphouka and detract from its ranking against the better hydropower sites. However, the Project is ideally located to provide system benefits for the northern part of the Central Grid including voltage support, loss reduction, supply security and diversification of generation. A prefeasibility study would confirm the Project’s generation costs, environmental impacts and system performance.


2.25 XE KAMAN 1 HYDROPOWER PROJECT The Xe Kaman 1 Hydropower Project is to be located on the Xe Kaman river, approximately 85 km upstream of its confluence with the Xe Kong and the town of Attapeu. The project involves the construction of a 184 m dam in a narrow gorge creating a reservoir of 224 km2. The Project is envisaged primarily as an export project supplying Thailand or Vietnam. An exclusive mandate to develop the site was awarded to a developer in 1994. The Project layout is shown in the attached figure and consists of a dam with a powerhouse at its base relying exclusively on the head created by the dam. The developer’s chosen layout involves a reservoir FSL of 300 m asl and an installed capacity of 468MW project. The economic performance of this arrangement is good, though its environmental impacts and long reservoir filling time would add to the difficulty in securing finance. Smaller versions of the Project have been found to also perform well. The Project was studied to feasibility level in February 1995 and an EIA is understood to be under preparation. The PSDR evaluation assumes that the Project’s transmission line would interconnect at the 500 kV Ban Sok collector sub-station on the Bolavens Plateau. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:





The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report. The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. The Project was modeled with Xe Kaman 3 but it was found to have little effect due to the full regulation provided by Xe Kaman 1’s large reservoir. If a smaller configuration of the Project is adopted, the regulation of the river provided by Xe Kaman 3 would be of greater benefit.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status Concession Level of study FeasibilityAccess Roads: New road 23 km Rehabilitation 35 kmHydrology: Name of river Xe Kaman Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 2,099 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 175.0 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 300 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 284 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 17,400 hm3



Reservoir filling time 39.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Faced Rockfill Maximum height 184 m Crest length 450 mDiversion: Design discharge 43.94 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 2.6 m Tunnel Length 820 mSpillway: Spillway type Ungated Ogee Design discharge 1,260 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 3 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 167 mTransmission: Line Length 33 km Voltage 220 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 468 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 413 MW Average generation 2,086 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 1,954 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 131 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 50 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 421 mUS$ Capacity cost 1.084 US$/kW Average energy cost 2.6 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 22 2.7 ¢/kWh




2.26 XE KAMAN 3 HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Xe Kaman 3 Hydropower Project is located in Xe Kong Province. The size, location and economics of Xe Kaman 3 best fits the Project for the Vietnamese market. A mandate to develop the site has been given to a consortium including the Song Da Construction Company and EVN. The developer recently completed a feasibility study that confirms the promise indicated in earlier studies including Halcrow (1999) and Worley/Lahmeyer (2000). The Xe Kaman 3 is located on the Nam Paog-O, a tributary of the Xe Kaman in the upper Xe Kong Basin. The project evaluated in the PSDP is a storage project with a 128m concrete RCC dam creating a reservoir of 12 km2. The stored flows are diverted to a cavern powerhouse downstream, developing a head of 550m from the dam and river gradient. The PSDP evaluation assumes a transmission length of 86 km, sufficient to interconnect directly to the EVN system or through the proposed 500 kV collector substation at Ban Sok on the Bolavens Plateau.. 250 MW and 300 MW arrangements were optimized and evaluated under the PSDP. The evaluations employed:





The technical and economic characteristics of the 300 MW layout are summarized in the following table and attached EVALS outputs. No project interactions were assumed in determining these outputs. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report.


Technical and Economic Data (300 MW Layout – Source: EVALS Output):

Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status Concession Level of study Feasibility StudyAccess Roads: New road 40 km Rehabilitation 90 kmHydrology: Name of river Xe Kaman Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 2,200 mm/a Ave. reservoir Inflow 33.1 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 980 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 870 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 467 hm3


Maximum reservoir area (FSL) 12 km2

Reservoir filling time 2.5 monthsDam: Main dam type RCC Gravity Maximum height 128 m Crest length 430 mDiversion: Design discharge 1,680 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 12.4 m Tunnel Length 400 mSpillway: Spillway type Ungated Ogee Design discharge 2,700 m3/sPower Station: Type Cavern Number of units 3 Turbine type Pelton Turbine rated head 551 mTransmission: Line Length 86 km Voltage 230 kVAccess Roads: Length of new road 40 km Length of rehabilitated road 90 kmOutput: Installed Capacity 300 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 254 MW Average generation 1,369 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 1,222 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 146 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 52 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 278 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,070 US$/kW Average energy cost 2.5 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 2.6 ¢/kWh


2.27 XE KATAM HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Xe Katam Hydropower Project in Champasak Province is a run-of-river project variously configured as a single project or two projects with an installed capacity in the range of 12 MW to 100 MW. Due to its size, location and economics, Xe Katam project is best suited for supplying the Southern Grid. The PSDP investigated and optimized a 12 MW development based on the single project layout. This option does not maximize the economic performance of the site but does preserve the natural beauty of the Xe Katam Falls. The present developer is understood to be developing new layouts that improve economic performance without compromising the aesthetic qualities of the site. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:








Development: Installed Capacity Factor Run-of-river Contractual status MOU Level of study PrefeasibilityAccess Roads: New road 6 km Rehabilitation 18 kmHydrology: Name of river Xe Katam Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,944 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 9.0 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 468.5 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 468.5 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 0.32 hm3



Reservoir filling time 0.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Gravity Maximum height 18 m Crest length 78.88 mSpillway: Spillway type Ungated Ogee Design discharge 811 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 1 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 165 mTransmission: Line Length 22 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 13 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 12.97 MW Average generation 61 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 11 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 49 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 54 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 19.40 mUS$ Capacity cost 1.757 US$/kW Average energy cost 4.0 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 23 6.8 ¢/kWh




2.28 XE KONG 4 HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Xe Kong 4 Hydropower Project is located in Xe Kong Province. Due to its size, location and economics, Xe Kong 4 project is envisaged primarily as an export project selling to Vietnam as its principal market. No exclusive mandate to develop the site presently exists. An earlier MOU held by Modular has been cancelled. The Project was studied by JICA to prefeasibility level in 1994 and Lahmeyer International prepared a prefeasibility report of the project in 1997. The project layout optimized and evaluated under the PSDP includes a reservoir FSL of 300 m asl and an installed capacity of 485 MW. is a hydropower project located on the Xe Kong in Kaleum District, Xe Kong Province. A 170 m dam creates a reservoir covering an area of 160 km2 and extending approximately 65 km upstream. A surface powerhouse at the base of the dam produces about 2,200 GWh annually on average. The transmission line would be routed to the Ban Sok sub-station, a length of approximately 120 km. The layout is shown in the attached figure.

The Consultant evaluated the Project using:





The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. No interactions with other projects are assumed in determining these outputs. Simulations performed with Xe Kong 5 providing upstream regulation showed a 10% reduction on weighted generation cost. The EVALS outputs are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs. The project’s wider impacts have been assessed using SESAMEE and are internalized into the evaluations reported in Section 6 of Volume A, Main Report.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status MOU Level of study PrefeasibilityAccess Roads: New road 18 km Rehabilitation 14 kmHydrology: Name of river Xe Kong Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,631 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 236.5 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 300 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 285 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 9,350 hm3

Active storage volume 2,210hm3

Maximum reservoir area (FSL) 160 km2

Reservoir filling time 14.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete faced rockfill Maximum height 170 m Crest length 920 mDiversion: Design discharge 3,500 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 2 x 11.6 m Tunnel Length 860 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Chute Design discharge 11,900 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 4 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 133 mTransmission: Line Length 110 km Voltage 230 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 485 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 414 MW Average generation 2,192 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 1,767GWh p.a. Secondary generation 425 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 50 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 592 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,544 US$/kW Average energy cost 3.7 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 24 4.1 ¢/kWh




2.29 XE KONG 5 HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Xe Kong 5 Hydropower Project is located in Kaleum District, Xe Kong Province on the upper reaches of the Xe Kong, immediately upstream of the proposed Xe Kong 4 Hydropower Project. An MOU was signed recently with the Italian company, Sondel, giving it and exclusive mandate to investigate the site but it is understood that this is inactive. Due to its size, location and economics, Xe Kong 5 is envisaged primarily as an export project selling to Vietnam or Thailand. The evaluated layout of the Project consists of a 250 m concrete arch dam, supplying two 200 MW Francis units in a cavern powerhouse located downstream of the dam.. The reservoir will cover an area of 70 km2 creating a reservoir approximately 30km in length. Access requirements will involve the construction of 40 km of new roads to the project site. A 250 km transmission line would interconnect to the proposed 500 kV system at Ban Sok, enabling the Project’s output to be marketed in Thailand or Vietnam. The Consultant evaluated the Project using:








Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status No current mandate Level of study InventoryAccess Roads: New road 40 km Rehabilitation 0 kmHydrology: Name of river Se Kong Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,944 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 137.1 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 500 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 362 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 4,780 hm3



Reservoir filling time 10.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Arch Maximum height 250 m Crest length 480 mDiversion: Design discharge 4,070 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 12.2 m Tunnel Length 300 mSpillway: Spillway type Gated Ogee Design discharge 7,560 m3/sPower Station: Type Cavern Number of units 2 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 172 mTransmission: Line Length 110 km Voltage 220 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 405 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 333 MW Average generation 1,795 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 1,479 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 315 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 50 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 400 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,137 US$/kW Average energy cost 2.8 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 25 3.1 ¢/kWh




2.30 XE PIAN - XE NAMNOY HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Xe Pian - Xe Nam Noy Hydropower Project is located in Champasak and Attapeu Provinces. Due to its size, location and economics, the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy project is envisaged primarily as an export project selling to Thailand or Vietnam through the proposed Ban Sok collector substation. A concession was awarded to a developer in the nineties and preliminary construction works were commenced but the Project did not progress and the mandate has recently been re-assigned. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. The Project will exploit the hydraulic potential of a system of flows on the Bolovens Plateau within the Xe Kong catchment. The flows of the Houay Makchan, the Xe Pian and its tributary Houay Liang and of the Xe Namnoy will be impounded and diverted through a tunnel to a powerhouse at the base of the Bolavens escarpment on the Xe Kong floodplain. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:







Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status Concession Level of study FeasibilityAccess Roads: New road 59 km Rehabilitation kmHydrology: Name of river Namnoy / Xe Pian / H. Machan Av. annual precipitation 2,609 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 24.3 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 790 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 750 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 979 hm3



Reservoir filling time 13.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Rockfill Maximum height 80 m Crest length 1,500 mDiversion: Design discharge 714 m3/s Tunnel Diameter 9.4 m Tunnel Length 460 mSpillway: Spillway type Ungated Design discharge 2,370 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 3 Turbine type Pelton Turbine rated head 626 mTransmission: Line Length 33 km Voltage 220 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 235 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 219 MW Average generation 1,090 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 1,083 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 7 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 52 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc or IDC) 477 mUS$ Capacity cost 2,347 US$/kW Average energy cost 5.5 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 26 5.4 ¢/kWh




2.31 XE PON 3 HYDROPOWER PROJECT

The Xe Pon Hydropower Project is located some 220km east of Savannakhet and 80km north-northeast of the town of Saravan Province, close to Lao's border with Vietnam. Due to its size, location and economics, Xe Pon project is envisaged primarily a domestic project close to significant point loads in the Central Grid. It is understood that a developer has ap[plied to GOL for a concession to develop the Project. The project layout optimized and evaluated under the PSDP involves a 39m high RCC gravity dam in the headwaters of the Xe Pon river, some 105km upstream of its confluence with the Xe Bang Hieng and a few kilometers downstream of a relatively wide floodplain. An area of about 30 km2 would be inundated by the reservoir, which would be connected to a powerhouse by an 8.7 km headrace tunnel that would develop about 250 m of head. Generation flows would discharge into the Xe Pon approximately 22 km downstream of the proposed dam site. The layout of the Project is shown in the attached plan. A gravel road provides access from Salavan, via Ban Ta Oy, to Ban Achungklung, located on the left bank of the Xe Pon. The access road then continues on to Ban Meo, located on the right bank some 3km downstream of the proposed weir site. The power station would provide a strategic source of generation at an extremity of the EdL grid. It would eventually interconnect to both the Central and Southern Grids through links to the Xepon town and mine, Kengkok and Saravan. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:







Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.75 Contractual status Application for MOU Level of study InventoryAccess Roads: New road 21 km Rehabilitation 5 kmHydrology: Name of river Xe Pon Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,944 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 17.0 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 580 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 560 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 406 hm3



Reservoir filling time 7.5 monthsDam: Main dam type RCC Gravity Maximum height 39 m Crest length 560 mPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 3 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 249 mTransmission: Line Length 127 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 65 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 58.5 MW Average generation 301 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 283 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 18 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 52 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 120 mUS$ Capacity cost 2,129 US$/kW Average energy cost 5.0 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 27 5.1 ¢/kWh

27 The calculation of weighted generation cost values secondary energy at half the value of primary energy based on a definition of primary energy as energy produced with 95% firmness.


2.32 XESET 2 HYDROPOWER PROJECT The Xeset 2 Hydropower Project is part of the development of the hydropower potential of the Xe Set basin in Saravan Province. It is upstream of the existing 45 MW Xeset 1 project. Xeset 2 project is to be developed by EdL primarily as a Government-owned export project with some output for the Southern Grid. The Project is to be a run-of-river facility of about 70 MW. It will include a small headpond on the upper Xe Set river at Ban Setkhot with a headrace canal and tunnel connecting to a surface powerhouse on the Xe Set river. Diversion of the Houay Tapoung supplements the generation flows for both Xeset 2 and Xeset 1. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:




• EVSYS module for investigating joint operation with Houay Ho.

A number of interactions with other projects were evaluated including intra-basin regulation benefits and conjunctive operation with the Houay Ho Project. The results of these evaluations are presented in Section 6.7 of Volume A, Main Report. The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. The table allows for the diversion of flow from the Houay Tapong and for incremental generation at Xeset 1, but not for benefits of conjunctive operation with Houay Ho.. An EVALS output are provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 2.61 Contractual status EdL project Level of study FeasibilityAccess Roads: New road 5 km Rehabilitation 15 kmHydrology: Name of river Xeset Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1,944 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 12.5 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 813.0 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 803.5 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 9.37 hm3



Reservoir filling time 0.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Concrete Gravity Maximum height 16 m Crest length 140 mSpillway: Spillway type Ungated Ogee Design discharge 596 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 3 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 243 mTransmission: Line Length 17 km Voltage 115 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 70 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 66 MW Average generation 219 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 58 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 160 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 36 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 92.23 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,547 US$/kW Average energy cost 5.3 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 28 8.5 ¢/kWh




2.33 XESET 3 HYDROPOWER PROJECT The Xeset 3 Hydropower Project is part of the development of the hydropower potential of the Xe Set basin in Saravan Province. It is upstream of the existing Xeset 1 and proposed Xeset 2 projects. It is to be developed by EdL for the domestic and export projects. The Xeset 3 is to be a 16 MW run-of-river development at the top of the Xe Set basin. The proposed layout is shown in the attached figure and includes a small headpond on the upper Xe Set at Ban Setkhot. A 4 km culvert/canal conveys water to a surface powerhouse on the Xe Set river at its confluence with the Houay Sat. The Consultant has evaluated the Project using:




• EVSYS module for investigating joint operation with Houay Ho.

A number of interactions with other projects were evaluated including downstream intra-basin regulation benefits at Xeset 1 and Xeset 2, and conjunctive operation with the Houay Ho Project. The results of these evaluations are presented in Section 6.7 of Volume A, Main Report. The technical and economic characteristics of the Project are summarized in the following table. The table allows for incremental generation at Xeset 1 and Xeset 2. An EVALS output is provided. Some environmental and social costs are accounted for in the EVALS evaluation and are reflected in the program outputs.



Development: Installed Capacity Factor 1.62 Contractual status EdL project Level of study FeasibilityAccess Roads: New road 0 km Rehabilitation 15 kmHydrology: Name of river Xeset Av. annual precipitation (dam site) 1.944 mm/a Ave. Reservoir Inflow 6.7 m3/sReservoir: Full supply level (FSL) 1,022.00 m asl Minimum operating level (MOL) 1,200.00 m asl Max storage volume (FSL) 4.18 hm3



Reservoir filling time 0.5 monthsDam: Main dam type Earthfill Maximum height 11 m Crest length 630 mSpillway: Spillway type Ungated Ogee Design discharge 322 m3/sPower Station: Type Surface Number of units 2 Turbine type Francis Turbine rated head 166 mTransmission: Line Length 20 km Voltage 22 kVOutput: Installed Capacity 16 MW Guaranteed capacity (95%) 15.70 MW Average generation 68 GWh p.a. Primary generation (95% firm) 13 GWh p.a. Secondary generation 55 GWh p.a. Average plant factor 49 %Economic: Basic project cost (no esc. or IDC) 24.04 mUS$ Capacity cost 1,773 US$/kW Average energy cost 4.5 ¢/kWh Weighted energy cost 29 7.6 ¢/kWh



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