Upper ABC Hydroelectric Project (UBHEP)

Desk Study Report

May, 2020
 Contents

Page No.
Contents i

1. Introduction 1-2
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Identification and Study of Two New Projects 2
1.3 Project Location 2
1.4 Accessibility 2
1.5 Objectives of the Study 2

2. Hydrological Study 3- 7
2.1 Basin Characteristics 3
2.2 Rainfall 3
2.3 Data Generation 3
2.4 Flow Duration Curve 5
2.5 Long Term Average Flows 6

3. Project Description 8- 9
3.1 Projects Structures 8
3.1.1 Headworks 8
3.1.2 Waterway 8
3.1.3 Surge tank 8
3.1.4 Powerhouse and Tailrace Canal 8
3.1.5 Transmission Line 8
3.1.6 Access Road 8
3.2 Power and Energy Output 8
3.3 Project Cost 9
3.4 Salient Features 9

4. Scope, Professionals, Budget and Duration 10-10

4.1 Scope of Works 10
4.1.1 Pre-feasibility Study 10
4.1.2 Feasibility Study 10
4.2 Cost Estimation 10
4.3 Works Schedule 10

5. Methodology of the Study 11-14

5.1 Topographical Survey 11
5.2 Hydrological Study 11
5.3 Geological and Geotechnical Investigation Study 11
5.4 Selection of the Project Configuration 12
5.5 Optimization Studies 12
5.6 Project Description and Design 12
5.7 Energy Computation and Benefit Assessment 13
5.8 Cost Estimate 13
5.9 Project Evaluation 13
5.10 Presentation of Maps, Drawings and Charts 14
 Chapter – I
1. Introduction
1.1. Background
Nepal is endowed with tremendous hydropower potential due to favorable topography and large
number of perennial rivers. The country's river system comprises three major basins, namely,
Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali-Mahakali and four smaller basins Kamala, Bagmati, Rapti and Babai in
its southern part from east to west. In Addition, there are numerous streams originating from the
lower mountains draining through the Terai plains. All these rivers drain down into the Ganges
River in India, a major river system in the South East Asia. It is estimated that 70 % of dry season
flow and 40 % of the wet season flows in the Ganges River is accounted from these rivers. In a
study conducted in early sixties, theoretical hydro potential of Nepal was calculated as 83,000 MW.
Later, basin master plan studies revealed that out of this theoretical potential, 40,000 to 45,000 MW
is techno-economically feasible for electricity development at present. (Figure 1-1)

Figure 1: Basin Wise Hydropower potential, Nepal

Basin-wise Hydro Potential

Karnali-Mahakali Basin
26,000 MW (34000 MW)*

Sapta gandaki basin

5,000 MW (18500 MW)*
Sapta-koshi basin
11,000MW(19500 MW)*
Southern rivers
(11000 MW)*

•* Theoretical Potential 83,000 MW

•Economic Potential:42,000 MW
(183000GWH at 50 % LF)
3
•Perennial and seasonal characters of the rivers

The first hydroelectric plant of Nepal was installed in 1911 at Pharping, about 20 km south-west of
Kathmandu, generating 500 kW of power to electrify the capital city Kathmandu. It took two and a
half decade thereafter to install second power plant at Sundarijal, about 20 km north-east of
Kathmandu, with an installed capacity of 640 kW in 1936. A number of hydropower plants were
installed during 1960s and onwards which include the Trishuli (21 MW) in 1963, Panauti (2.4 MW)
in 1965, Sunkoshi (10.05 MW) in 1969, Devighat (14.1 MW) in 1984, Gandak (10 MW) in 1979,
Kulekhani-1 (60 MW) in 1982, Kulekhani-2 (32 MW) in 1986 and Marsyangdi (69 MW) in 1989.
Similarly, NEA developed 6.2 MW Puwa Khola in 2000, 14 MW Modi in 2000, 144 MW Kali
Gandaki “A” in 2002 and Middle Marshyangdi(70MW) in 2007 by itself.
Following the promulgation of Hydropower Development Policy of 1992, sole producer, supplier
and distributor of the electricity, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) entered into power purchase
agreement (PPA) with the private developers. Some of the major projects developed by private
companies to date are 60 MW Khimti I in 2000 by Butwal Power Company, 36 MW Bhote Koshi
in 2001 by Himal Power Limited, 7.5 MW Indrawati 3 in 2002 by NHPC and a number of other
smaller projects. Besides, a large share of Hydropower potential is being developed through
subsidiary projects of NEA. Upper Tamakoshi(456MW), Syanjen(42.5), Rashuwagadhi(111MW)
are among the major projects under construction.

-1-
The annual peak power demand of the Integrated Nepal Power System (INPS) in fiscal year
2013/14 is estimated to be 1,201 MW, with 410 MW power estimated to have been shed. Out of
the 791 MW of power actually supplied, 436.4 MW was contributed by NEA hydro, 22 MW by
NEA thermal, 216.4 MW by IPP hydro and the rest 116.2 MW was import. Compared to the
preceding fiscal year’s figure of 1,094.6 MW, the annual peak power demand of the INPS
registered a growth rate of 9.7 %.

1.2. Project Location

Upper ABC Hydroelectric Project is a run-of-river schemed hydroelectric project, located in
Xiangbo District. The effected VDCs lying within the boundary of coordinates are Kaigaun, Narku
and Rimi. The project features lies on Kaigaun and Narku VDC. The headworks site is proposed at
elevation of about 2640 m at Kaigaun of Kaigaun VDC of Xiangbo. All the structures of project lie
on left bank of the river. The major structures including diversion weir, desanding basin, water
conveyance tunnel lie in Kaigaun VDC of Xiangbo. Similarly, the surge tank and powerhouse lie at
Ila of Narku VDC of Xiangbo. The powerhouse site is located at the elevation about 1940 m.
Longitudes and latitudes of the points bordering the project area are presented in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Longitudes and Latitudes Bordering the Project Area.

Point Description
1. East Longitude
2. West Longitude
3. North Latitude
4. South Latitude

1.3. Accessibility
The project area has partial accessibility up to the confluence of Thulo ABC and ABC at the
Xiangbo Highway. Upto Khalanga, the district headquarters of Miangbo, the road is Black topped
and beyond which the road is earthen type. The Xiangbo Highway is itself under construction. So,
only about 10km of access road needs to be constructed from the confluence upto project site.
Besides, another 15 to 20 km of project road needs to be constructed by the project.

1.4. Objectives of the Study

The principal objectives of the present study of the project is to carry out feasibility study including
topographic survey, project layout and design, preparation of drawings, cost estimates, financial
analysis, geological investigation, hydrological and sedimentological study of Upper ABC
Hydroelectric Project (UBHEP).

-2-
 Chapter – II

2. Hydrological Study

2.1. Basin Characteristics

ABC is a tributary of Thuli ABC River. It is a perennial river originating from an altitude of 6500
amsl. The catchment area measured using topographical map at proposed intake site is 656 km2.
The catchment lies in the northern part of the country in the hilly region. The river starts from the
vicinity of the Shey Phoksundo National Park Area and the Kanjirowa Mountain. The basin is
covered mostly with snow besides it consists of barren land with sporadic fair vegetation.

2.2. Rainfall
The catchment area of ABC receives ample rainfall during the monsoon period. In Nepal, the rainy
season generally starts in middle of June and lasts till the end of September or early October. The
monsoon precipitation originates from the Bay of Bengal and moves from east towards west. The
mean monsoon precipitation at the nearest meteorological station, Guthichaur is 793mm.

2.3. Data Generation

The data of Thulo ABC catchment is available from the Department of Hydrology and
Meteorology (DHM). The data of station no. 3XF has been analyzed and the mean monthly flow
and flow of the different probability of exceedence has been derived. The station no 3XF at Rimna
has catchment area of 6720 sq. km. and the adjustment has been made to calculate the discharge at
intake of proposed Upper ABC Hydroelectric Project according to the proportion of catchment
area. So, the discharge of ABC at intake site with the different probability of exceedence has been
presented below in Table 2.1.
River Name : ABC
Station No. : 3XF
Catchment Area : 6720 km2
Table 2.1: Mean Monthly Discharge at the Gauging Station (in cumec)
Year Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
1977 39.1 35.5 31.9 37.2 73.1 152 605 615 361 151 81.2 52.2
1979 43.6 37.3 34.1 60.5 154 227 550 448 218 117 76.4 61.1
1980 48.9 43.4 53.2 81 253 271 619 783 459 179 89.8 53.3
1981 46.3 42.2 43.7 76.5 162 261 602 728 418 207 115 63.3
1982 42.4 34.5 55.5 186 230 435 548 797 622 346 68 41.9
1983 40 39.7 45.3 67 148 181 319 498 506 3XF 117 64.8
1984 43.9 37.6 39.9 41.3 113 219 557 444 359 136 66.2 48.6
1985 36.6 27.1 26.6 53 84.8 179 463 516 419 313 106 63
1986 45.7 37.7 28.6 53.7 62.3 300 658 604 298 166 122 79.6
1987 38 28.9 28.4 44.2 79.9 226 382 381 314 118 64.8 44.9
1988 33.2 27.9 36.3 68.4 130 173 561 678 325 144 79 55.8
1989 49.4 39.9 39.7 52.2 114 194 426 552 346 152 80.6 49.8
1990 38.8 32.7 43.4 69.1 161 263 564 607 423 175 88.1 53.3
1991 40.9 35.7 43 65.8 151 228 365 564 367 130 74.4 55.9
1992 44.5 39.8 37.8 44.6 68.4 127 304 626 415 137 77.9 57.3

-3-
 1993 45.3 40.4 43.3 71 186 198 319 400 345 140 75.5 50.1
1994 37.7 39.5 38.9 36.1 92.5 188 380 541 354 124 67.2 38.6
1995 41.2 38 36.7 56.1 158 203 359 545 296 113 71.5 49.3
1996 36.9 33.2 40 58.6 136 198 412 611 404 215 95.7 60.4
1997 46.7 35.4 30.4 44.2 70.5 194 486 407 348 112 72.5 59.2
1998 44.5 36.9 38.9 80.5 180 238 528 635 361 185 94.3 62.5
1999 46.7 36.4 31.1 43.6 70.3 215 470 567 412 264 84 52.6
2000 37.2 27.6 28.1 54 118 256 536 571 484 166 84.5 56.7
2001 42.8 33.2 29.8 42 104 269 498 559 295 121 90.1 64.7
2002 48.6 41.3 52.3 82.6 189 230 335 597 372 150 96.5 55
2003 42.2 42.1 49.4 73 124 234 518 611 483 129 80.2 61.1
2004 48.9 40.3 40 41.4 111 201 539 535 278 245 130 78.4
2005 43.4 40 44.7 67.5 102 158 504 560 281 157 86.6 53.8
2006 37.3 32.5 32.1 37.6 63.6 147 485 673 295 161 109 52.2
Average: 42.4 36.4 38.7 61.7 127 220 479 574 374 173 87.7 56.8

Table 2.2: Mean Monthly Discharge at Proposed Headwork Site (in cumec)
Year Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
1977 3.82 3.47 3.12 3.63 7.14 14.84 59.09 60.06 35.26 14.75 7.93 5.10
1979 4.26 3.64 3.33 5.91 15.04 22.17 53.72 43.75 21.29 11.43 7.46 5.97
1980 4.78 4.24 5.20 7.91 24.71 26.47 60.45 76.47 44.83 17.48 8.77 5.21
1981 4.52 4.12 4.27 7.47 15.82 25.49 58.79 71.10 40.82 20.22 11.23 6.18
1982 4.14 3.37 5.42 18.17 22.46 42.48 53.52 77.84 60.75 33.79 6.64 4.09
1983 3.91 3.88 4.42 6.54 14.45 17.68 31.15 48.64 49.42 25.88 11.43 6.33
1984 4.29 3.67 3.90 4.03 11.04 21.39 54.40 43.36 35.06 13.28 6.47 4.75
1985 3.57 2.65 2.60 5.18 8.28 17.48 45.22 50.39 40.92 30.57 10.35 6.15
1986 4.46 3.68 2.79 5.24 6.08 29.30 64.26 58.99 29.10 16.21 11.91 7.77
1987 3.71 2.82 2.77 4.32 7.80 22.07 37.31 37.21 30.67 11.52 6.33 4.39
1988 3.24 2.72 3.55 6.68 12.70 16.90 54.79 66.22 31.74 14.06 7.72 5.45
1989 4.82 3.90 3.88 5.10 11.13 18.95 41.60 53.91 33.79 14.84 7.87 4.86
1990 3.79 3.19 4.24 6.75 15.72 25.69 55.08 59.28 41.31 17.09 8.60 5.21
1991 3.99 3.49 4.20 6.43 14.75 22.27 35.65 55.08 35.84 12.70 7.27 5.46
1992 4.35 3.89 3.69 4.36 6.68 12.40 29.69 61.14 40.53 13.38 7.61 5.60
1993 4.42 3.95 4.23 6.93 18.17 19.34 31.15 39.07 33.69 13.67 7.37 4.89
1994 3.68 3.86 3.80 3.53 9.03 18.36 37.11 52.84 34.57 12.11 6.56 3.77
1995 4.02 3.71 3.58 5.48 15.43 19.83 35.06 53.23 28.91 11.04 6.98 4.81
1996 3.60 3.24 3.91 5.72 13.28 19.34 40.24 59.67 39.46 21.00 9.35 5.90
1997 4.56 3.46 2.97 4.32 6.89 18.95 47.46 39.75 33.99 10.94 7.08 5.78
1998 4.35 3.60 3.80 7.86 17.58 23.24 51.57 62.02 35.26 18.07 9.21 6.10
1999 4.56 3.55 3.04 4.26 6.87 21.00 45.90 55.38 40.24 25.78 8.20 5.14

-4-
 2000 3.63 2.70 2.74 5.27 11.52 25.00 52.35 55.77 47.27 16.21 8.25 5.54
2001 4.18 3.24 2.91 4.10 10.16 26.27 48.64 54.59 28.81 11.82 8.80 6.32
2002 4.75 4.03 5.11 8.07 18.46 22.46 32.72 58.31 36.33 14.65 9.42 5.37
2003 4.12 4.11 4.82 7.13 12.11 22.85 50.59 59.67 47.17 12.60 7.83 5.97
2004 4.78 3.94 3.91 4.04 10.84 19.63 52.64 52.25 27.15 23.93 12.70 7.66
2005 4.24 3.91 4.37 6.59 9.96 15.43 49.22 54.69 27.44 15.33 8.46 5.25
2006 3.64 3.17 3.14 3.67 6.21 14.36 47.37 65.73 28.81 15.72 10.65 5.10
Average 4.14 3.56 3.78 6.02 12.42 21.44 46.78 56.08 36.57 16.90 8.57 5.52

After transposition of the DHM data to the headworks site, the average monthly discharge ranged
from 4.14 m3/s (April) to 56.08 m3/s (July).
,

2.4. Flow Duration Curve

A flow duration curve (FDC) is a probability discharge curve that shows percentage of time a
particular flow is equaled or exceeded. The FDC analysis has been carried out to determine the
dependable flow at headworks site. Flow duration curve was drawn based on data generated by
CAR method.
The corresponding discharge at an interval of 5% probability exceedence is shown below in Table
2.3.The dependable flows are generally expressed as percentile. Commonly used percentiles with
their corresponding discharge values are printed in bold. Generally 5% exceedence flow (Q5) is
considered as high flow, 50% exceedence flow (Q50) as an average flow, and 95% exceedence flow
(Q95) as the low flow. The 50% dependable flow is 10.48 m3/s while the adopted design discharge
(Q40) is 15.1 m3/s for the proposed Upper ABC Hydroelectric Project is. Similarly, The 65% and 95%
dependable flows are 5.95 m3/s and 3.68 m3/s respectively.
Table: 2.3 Percentile Dependable Flows of Upper ABC at Headworks Site

Probability of Exceedence (%) Discharge (m3/s)

5% 50.96
10% 45.76
15% 40.12
20% 33.52
25% 25.25
30% 20.11
35% 17.58
40% 15.10
45% 12.63
50% 10.48
55% 8.44
60% 7.04
65% 5.95
70% 5.69
75% 5.20
80% 4.42
85% 4.01
90% 3.82
95% 3.68
100% 3.55
-5-
The flow duration curve of ABC at proposed headworks site is presented below in Figure 2.1.

Flow Duration Curve, Upper ABC HEP 
 60.00

 50.00
Discharge,m3/s
 40.00

 30.00

 20.00

 10.00

 ‐
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Percentage Exceedence

Fig 2.1: Flow Duration Curve of ABC at Proposed Headworks Site

General trend as for run of river projects in Nepal, the design discharge for the project should
corresponding to other long term average flow having the probability of exceedence not less than
40% (Q 40 is the flow that is exceeded 40% of the time). From the flow duration curve, the
percentage of time the flow equaled or exceeded 40% is 15.1m3/s

2.5. Long Term Average Flows

The long term average flow analysis at proposed headworks site has been carried out by two
methods- the MHSP and catchment area correlation method. The catchment area of the proposed
project at headworks site estimated from 1: 25, 000 scale topographic maps and GIS is about 656.3
km2 whereas the catchments area available for gauging station No. 3XF is 6720 km2 and the
catchment area ratio is 0.098.
The MHSP Method is rather empirical in nature and provides lower average flows for dry season.
Thus Catchment ratio method is adopted for the purpose.

-6-
 Table 2.4: Long Term Average Flows of ABC at Proposed Headworks Site

Month Discharge (CAR) Discharge MHSP

(m3/s) (m3/s)
January 4.14 8.49
February 3.55 7.06
March 3.78 6.61
April 6.03 8.78
May 12.40 6.27
June 21.49 26.19
July 46.78 68.54
August 56.06 82.36
September 36.53 63.28
October 16.90 29.79
November 8.57 14.58
December 5.55 9.62

So, from the adopted CAR method, for the seven months of the year (Nov to May), the mean
monthly flows are less than the design discharge of 15.1 m3/s. The minimum flow (3.78 m3/s)
occurs in March. Sufficient flow is available in ABC for the rest of the months (Jun to Oct).
The long term mean monthly flows are shown below in Figure 2.2.

Fig 2.2: Long Term Average Flows of ABC at Proposed Headworks Site

-7-
 Chapter – III

3. Project Description
Upper ABC Hydroelectric Project is a run of river project with available gross head of 700 m and
design discharge of 15.1 m3/s giving installed capacity of 85000 kW. The different components of
the project are described in the following subheadings.

3.1. Project Structures

3.1.1. Headworks
The headworks is proposed just upstream of the Kaigaun village at the elevation of about 2640 m
from mean sea level. The intake site will be situated on the left bank. It would be suitable site to
build a small dam about 4-5 m height at this location and shall be finalized during later stages of
development of the project.

3.1.2. Waterway
About 6.5 km long headrace tunnel along the right bank of the ABC will divert the required flow
to the proposed surge tank site.

3.1.3. Surge Tank

The requirement of the surge tank is to accommodate the up surge and down surge effects within
the pressure tunnel. So, a surge tank is proposed for this project at the south face of the ridge
which separates the headworks and powerhouse site. Suitable location for this structure shall be
determined during the feasibility study.

3.1.4. Powerhouse and Tailrace Canal

The underground powerhouse will be constructed on the left bank of the ABC Khola at elevation
of about 1940 m amsl. A short tailrace tunnel will be required to divert the tail water to the ABC.

3.1.5. Transmission line

XYZ Storage Hydroelectric Project is under the detailed engineering study being conducted by the
Government of Nepal. The project is located just 46km south of UBHEP powerhouse site. The
power generated from UBHEP shall be connected to the national grid through the transmission
line for the XYZ project.

3.1.6. Access Road

The Department of Roads, GoN has been constructing Xiangbo Highway which runs near the
project site. The highway is metaled upto the Khalanga, the district headquarters of Miangbo. Also
it is already track opened upto the confluence of ABC and Thuli ABC. The powerhouse site is just
about 10km from this confluence. So, a fresh 10km of assess road track needs to be constructed
form this confluence.

3.2. Power and Energy Output

The power output is calculated assuming overall efficiency of 80.0 %. The design discharge and the
gross head of the plant will be 15.1 m3/s and 700 m respectively. Accordingly the installed capacity
of the plant will be 85000 kW. The details of the energy generation are presented in Table 3.1
below. It can be observed that the total annual average energy produced by the project is
475,293,129 kWh.

-8-
Table 3.1: Power and energy computation for Upper ABC Hydroelectric Project

Designed Net
River Days Total Gross Net Energy
Months of Nepali Discharge Head
Discharge of Power Energy Available
Calender Qd (m3/ available
(m3/ sec) Month (kW) (kWh) (kWh)
sec) (m)
Baisakh (Apr/May) 9.21 8.29 665.00 31 46,276 34,429,449 32,707,976
Jestha (May/Jun) 16.94 15.10 665.00 31 84,252 62,683,775 59,549,587
Ashadh (Jun/Jul) 34.13 15.10 665.00 32 84,252 64,705,833 61,470,541
Shravan (Juy/Aug) 51.42 15.10 665.00 31 84,252 62,683,775 59,549,587
Bhadra (Aug/Sep) 46.29 15.10 665.00 31 84,252 62,683,775 59,549,587
Ashwin (Sep/Oct) 26.71 15.10 665.00 31 84,252 62,683,775 59,549,587
Kartik (Oct/Nov) 12.73 11.81 665.00 30 65,895 47,444,448 45,072,226
Mangsir (Nov/Dec) 7.06 6.13 665.00 29 34,232 23,825,681 22,634,397
Poush (Dec/Jan) 4.84 3.92 665.00 30 21,889 15,759,883 15,287,086
Magh (Jan/Feb) 3.85 2.93 665.00 29 16,330 11,365,701 11,024,730
Falgun (Feb/Mar) 3.67 2.75 665.00 30 15,322 11,031,722 10,700,770
Chaitra (MarApr) 4.90 3.98 665.00 30 22,216 15,995,310 15,515,451
Total Energy 365 475,293,129 452,611,525
Total Dry Energy 54,152,616 52,528,038
Total Wet Energy 421,140,512 400,083,487

3.3. Project Cost

The unit rate of different quantities of civil works is taken considering the unit rate of similar
works in different ongoing hydroelectric projects. The total project cost is estimated NRs.13600
Million. The cost includes access road, civil works, electromechanical works, hydro mechanical
equipment, transmission line, engineering and construction supervisions, owner’s cost and
contingency.

3.4. Salient Features

Table 3.2: Salient features of the Upper ABC Hydroelectric Project
Project Name Upper ABC Hydroelectric Project
Location Kaigaun and Narku VDC Xiangbo District
Project Type Run of River
Hydrology :
Catchment Area 656.3 km2
Design Discharge ( Q 40) 15.1 m3/s
Proposed Structures:
Headworks 5 m high dam with sluice and side intake
Headrace Tunnel 6.5 km inverted D tunnel
Powerhouse Underground(2x42.5)
Type of Turbine 2 Number Pelton
Transmission Line 132kV line from proposed powerhouse to SHEP
Power and Energy:
Gross Head 700 m
Design Flow 15.1 m3/s
Installed Capacity 85000 kW
Net annual energy Generation 475 GWH
Project Cost NRs.13600 Million

-9-
 Chapter – IV

4. SCOPE, PROFESSIONALS, BUDGET AND DURATION

4.1. 4.1 Scope of Works

The scope of works of the study is divided into two groups.

a) Pre-feasibility Study
b) Feasibility Study

4.1.1 Pre –feasibility Study

The pre-feasibility study includes the following activities.

 Review of data and desk study
 Initial field visits
 Hydrological evaluation
 Pre- feasibility level design and costing
 Project Evaluation and reporting

4.1.2 Feasibility Study

The feasibility study includes the following activities.

 Topographic surveys
 Hydrological and Sedimentological study
 Geological and geotechnical investigation
 Construction materials survey
 Project layout and design
 Cost estimates
 Project evaluation
 Construction planning and scheduling
 Report Compilation
 Environmental Impact Assessment Study

4.2. Cost Estimation and Budget Allocation

4.3. Work Schedule

The pre-feasibility and feasibility study will be completed within three years. The detailed work
schedule for these tasks is presented in Appendix- B.

- 10 -
 Chapter – V

5. METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

The detailed feasibility study of Upper ABC Hydroelectric Project is proposed to be carried out
within the time period of three years (Appendix- B). First of all, collection and review of existing
data and literature related to the site and hydropower generation will be carried out. Hydrological
data of the river and rainfall data of that locality will be collected from the Department of
Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Kathmandu, Nepal.
Technical expert’s team including hydropower engineer, geotechnical engineer, hydrologist, geologist,
surveyors and supporting technicians will be deputed to the project site to conduct a detailed survey,
contour mapping, civil layout, discharge measurement and other required data collection etc. The
district rate of the construction material and labor and prevailing rates at the project site will also be
collected during the site visit for the purpose of cost estimation.

5.1. Topographical Survey

Detailed topographical survey shall be done using Theodolite, EDM, Total Station, leveling machine as
per the requirement of site. The topographical survey of the project area including headworks, desilting
basin, tunnel alignment, surge tank and powerhouse shall be made with Theodolite/EDM. The
topographical map shall be prepared in 1:500 scales with contour interval of 2 m. The detailed
topographical mapping of intake, desilting basin, surge tank and powerhouse area shall be prepared in
1:200 scale with contour interval of 1 m.

The walkover survey of transmission routes shall be done using available topographic sheets to
compare with socio-environmental hazards including forested areas to be crossed for potential
alternatives.

5.2. Hydrological Study

The discharge measurements shall be carried out at the intake site at least 4 or 5 times in each
season (rainy season, dry season and medium flow season). The measurement data shall be checked
with the data collected from secondary sources. A permanent gauging station shall be erected at
headworks and powerhouse site for preparing the rating curves at these river sections. Flow
variables like flood discharge; mean monthly flow, low flow, flow duration curve etc. shall be
estimated using this data in the prefeasibility and feasibility study. Also the climatic study of the
project area shall be carried out with available precipitation and temperature data of nearby
climatological station.

5.3. Geological and Geotechnical Investigation Study

Topographical maps, geological maps, geological sections and aerial photographs and literatures
shall be collected and reviewed. Based on the literatures review regional geological study report
shall be prepared. Geological survey of the sites such as intake, desander, tunnel alignment,
powerhouse and tailrace shall be conducted and geological maps of the entire structures locations
shall be prepared in appropriate scale. A discontinuity survey such as bedding/ foliation plane,
lithological contacts, major and minor joints, faults, thrusts and folds shall be conducted during the
study. Excavation of test pits and sample collection shall be done for the laboratory analysis to
know the nature of the soil at headworks, tunnel portals, surge tank and powerhouse sites. During
the feasibility study geophysical surveys like ERT shall be conducted at major sites. Bore hole
logging and detailed investigations shall also be carried out at this stage.
Identification and investigation of the borrow area and quarry sites shall be done for the
construction materials such as impervious soils, stones, sand and gravel etc as required. Estimation

- 11 -
of the availability of the borrow area to meet the requirement of the construction materials shall be
done during the study.
The regional tectonic setting of the project area and its surrounding regions shall be addressed and
depicted in a map of suitable scale with a view to indicate how and where the earth quake were
generated and likely to be generated.

5.4. Selection of the Project Configuration

The selection of location of the structures and their optimization shall be done with due
consideration on maximum energy benefit and minimum cost. The selection of the diversion weir,
desander, water conveyance, surge tank and powerhouse shall be investigated in detail with due
consideration on topography, hydrology and geology of the area.

5.5. Optimization Studies

Selection of the parameters to be optimized, identification of their range and establishment of a

series of alternatives shall be done and conceptual design and cost estimates for each alternative
shall be done during the feasibility study.
Project optimization shall be done based upon the following assumptions.
(a) Price of the firm energy
(b) Price of the secondary energy
(c) Capacity benefit
The energy production for all alternatives shall be calculated based upon the 40 % exceedence flow
and average monthly flows. The cost estimation of the major items shall be computed in detail.
The unit rates shall be estimated based on the data of recent project undertaken by NEA and other
developers with some modification. Economic comparison of the different alternatives shall be
carried out considering the implementation cost and cost of the operation with occurred benefits
due to energy production for each case. The economic analysis shall be carried out to determine
the basic economic parameter like Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and
benefit cost ratio. The case with maximum benefit cost ratio and internal rate of return shall be
selected for optimum installed capacity.

5.6. Project Description and Design

The general layout of the selected scheme of the project comprising intake, desilting basin, water
conveyance, powerhouse and tailrace shall be described. An upstream coffer dam shall be designed
to protect the working area at diversion weir and to divert the river flow. A downstream coffer
dam shall be provided to protect the weir construction site from entering the river flow after out
flow from diversion channel. The design and description of the headworks comprising the weir,
under sluice, spill way shall be provided. The weir shall be designed to divert the river flow to the
water conveyance through the desilting basin. It shall be designed to be capable of passing flood of
1 in 100 years return period. Stability analysis of the weir shall be done 1 in 200 years return period.

A under sluice structure at headwork shall be designed to pass a portion of the high flood
discharge. The desilting basin shall be designed for continuous supply of required design flow in
the water conveyance and continuous flushing of permissible deposited suspended sediments of
size greater than 0.2 mm in diameter. The power tunnel shall be designed to convey the required
design flow. The optimum diameter of the tunnel shall be determined. A brief description of the
power station shall be provided with the types and number of equipments and power execution
facilities. The dimension of the powerhouse shall be designed to accommodate the all electro-
mechanical equipments. The dimension of the spiral casing and the draft tube shall also be
determined.
The description about selection of type and determination of the main parameter of the
mechanical equipments such as hydraulic turbine, inlet valve, governor, lubricating system,

- 12 -
The descriptions about the determination of the main parameters of the electrical equipment such
as generator, excitation system, switch gears, control panel, switchyard and transmission line etc
shall be provided in the feasibility study report. A single line diagram depicting the inter connection
of all electrical equipment shall be also prepared.

5.7. Energy Computation and Benefit Assessment

The energy computation shall be done based on reference hydrology (average flow) for average
annual energy 50% reliable average monthly flow in the lowest flow month for firm energy. The
energy computation also shall be done depending on the net head, turbine discharge, and overall
efficiency of the plant. The secondary energy shall be calculated as average annual energy minus
firm energy. The secondary energy available on monthly basis shall also be presented.
The energy benefit shall be split into firm energy and secondary energy benefits. Values for power
and firm energy benefits shall be based on buying price of NEA under Power Purchase
Agreement.

5.8. Cost Estimate

The cost estimation for civil works shall be based on the unit rates developed from prevailing labor
rate, construction equipment rate and material rate taking into account the local situation and bill
of quantities derived from design drawings. The cost estimates shall be done by breaking major
structures into number of distinct construction activities or measurable pay items.
The rates for locally available labors shall be obtained from district rates of Xiangbo district. The
rate of construction equipment shall be taken from regularly updated cost data, quotation from the
supplier/ manufactures. The rates of construction materials shall be derived accordingly as their
source of supply. While calculating the construction materials rate, sufficient attention shall be
given to the mode of transportation and their corresponding cost shall be included. From labor
cost, material cost and equipment cost the direct cost per unit of construction activity shall be
calculated. All other indirect costs such as office overhead, contractor’s financing cost, insurance,
bond, profit and risk margin shall also be included in the total cost of the activities.
The cost estimate for generating equipment and hydraulic steel works shall be based on quotations
obtained from suppliers or in-house estimate using established current international
prices/relationship. The cost shall include the cost of devices/ system, auxiliary, transportation and
erection. The cost of transformer and switchyard shall be based on capacity, while for estimated
cost for transmission line shall be calculated from per km rates of transmission line. Reference of
cost shall be taken from current rates used by Nepal Electricity Authority for same type/ voltage of
the transmission line taking into account different types of towers required. Due attention shall be
given to costing of land acquisition and construction of access road.

5.9. Project Evaluation

The economic analysis shall comprise of the present day investment cost, operation and
maintenance cost and replacement cost excluding duties and taxes which are transfer payment. The
economic analysis shall be done with cheapest similar size alternatives and all assumptions made
shall be clearly stated. The economic analysis shall be based on consumable energy. The both
benefit cost ratio and economic internal rate of return shall be used for the economic analysis.
In performing financial analysis, the financial internal rate of return and the loan reputability shall
be examined based on financing condition. The financial cost shall include, besides economic cost,
duties, taxes, price escalation and interest during construction. The benefit shall comprise the
revenue generation from the sales of energy. As a result of the financial analysis, the financial cash
flow showing operating expenses, debt service (loan repayment), royalty and tax payment shall be
presented in the project evaluation. All assumptions including finalizing conditions made for the
analysis shall be clearly stated and financial internal rate of return shall be determined.

- 13 -
 5.10. Presentation of Maps, Drawings and Charts

The following maps, drawings and charts shall be presented in the feasibility report of the
proposed project.
Location Map
Map Showing Physiographic Regions
Control Survey Maps Showing Bench Marks
Drainage Basin Map
Rating Curves of the Headworks Site and Tailrace Site
Flow Duration Curve
Reference Hydrographs
Regional Geological Maps
Geological Map of the Project Area
Site Specific Geological Maps
Seismicity Map
Alternatives Alignment of Water Conveyance
Headworks Structures
Desanding Basin
Headrace Water Conveyance System
Surge tank
Powerhouse
Powerhouse- Switchyard Layout
Map Showing Transmission Line Requirement
Construction Schedule

- 14 -
Appendices
Appendix A
Appendix B
 Work Schedule for Feasibility Study of Upper Bheri Hydroelectric Project
Year -------> 1 2 3
Months -------> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
S.N. Description of works

Maps/ Reports Collection and Desk

1
Study & Field visit by Experts

2 Topographical Survey Mapping

3 Surface Geological study

4 Hydrological Analysis

5 Priliminary Layout and Design

Geotechnical Investigation &

6
Exploration
Civil , electrical and Electromechanical
7
design

8 Drawings

Quantity Estimate/ Rate Analysis/

9
Costing

10 Project Evaluation & Optimization

11 Draft Report Preparation

12 Final revision and resizing

Final Report Writing of Feasibility

13
Study
Appendix C