Tribhuvan University

Institute of Engineering
Pulchowk Campus
Department of Civil Engineering
Lalitpur, Nepal

Assignment of Project Engineering

A Project Report
On
Begnas-Rupa Pump Hydro Storage

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Name: Tek Narayan Bhattarai Khem Nath Dallakoti

Roll No.: 074BCE 184 Dept. of Civil Engineering

Section: GH Pulchowk Campus

Date: 5th Aug 2021

Table of Contents
1. Introduction.........................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Project Description......................................................................................................................2
1.2 Project Components....................................................................................................................2
2. Salient Features of Project..................................................................................................................3
3. Work Break Down Structure................................................................................................................4
4. Project Schedule..................................................................................................................................5
5. Project Cost Estimate...........................................................................................................................5
6. Environmental Impact of Project.........................................................................................................5
7. Limitation of Project.............................................................................................................................5
1. Introduction
1.1 Project Description

Nepal has a huge potential for renewable energy generation, such as hydropower, solar, wind,
biomass, and so on. Electricity consumption varies with the hour, day, month, season, and year.
To counteract this fluctuation in demand, a storage system that stores surplus energy during off-
peak hours and releases it during peak hours should be developed. In this case, independent
Pumped Storage Projects provide a unique and feasible option for energy storage, grid
management, frequency control, and renewable energy integration.
The Rupa-Begnas Pump Storage Project will be the first Pump Hydro Storage project of Nepal.
Rupa Lake and Begnas Lake are situated in Sundaridanda, in the Kaski, Nepal. The difference in
gross head between both lakes is approximately 60m, with Begnas Lake being higher in
elevation. This project has a capacity of 100 MW and is intended to produce 5 hours of
electricity each day. By reducing the working hours to three, the plant's capacity may be boosted
by double. The facility will use 4.1 million cubic metres (MCM) of water in a five-hour
operation, resulting in a 1.5-meter decline of Begnas Lake at a design discharge of 227 m3/s.
Approximately 60 hectares of farmland upstream of Rupa Lake will be flooded as a result of the
drawdown. An 8.0 m high earthen dam downstream of Rupa Lake is needed to collect 7.0 MCM
of water for pisciculture and irrigation purposes. In 5.5 hours, a reversible pump-turbine returns
4.1 MCM of water. Using surplus energy available from INPS at various times of the day, other
combinations of lower pump capabilities may be utilised to pump back the water.

1.2 Project Components

The Project comprised the construction of following components:
(i) A water conduit system consisting of a headrace tunnel, upstream surge shaft, high-pressure
tunnel, reinforced-concrete manifold and penstocks;
(ii) An underground power cavern containing four 100 MW reversible turbines and motor
generators and auxiliary facilities;
(iii) An underground transformer cavern containing four 360 megavolt-ampere (MVA) 18/500
kilovolt (kV) transformers;
(iv) Two tailrace tunnels with downstream surge shafts;
(v) An outdoor switchyard with gas-insulated switchgear;
(vi) A 400 kV transmission line to Pokhara sub-station

2. Salient Features of Project

Installed capacity: 100 MW
Peak operation duration: 5 hours
Maximum power discharge: 227m3/sec
Gross head: 60m
Upstream reservoir Catchment area: 6 km2
Full reservoir level (FRL): 710m
Minimum draw down level: 650
Dam height from rock foundation: 70 m
Reservoir area at FRL: 1.04km2
Total storage capacity: 16.5Mm3
Downstream reservoir Catchment area: 5km2
Full reservoir level: 600
Minimum draw down level:560m
Dam height from rock foundation: 50m
Total storage capacity: 4.4 Mm3
Headrace intake tunnel: 6m diameter
Penstock: 3m diameter
Tailrace: 6 m diameter
Powerhouse Pump/turbine: 100 MW, Francis type
Reversible pump turbine, 250rpm
Transmission voltage 400kV
Construction cost (latest approved cost) Approx. US$300M
3. Work Break Down Structure
BEGNAS-RUPA PUMP HYDRO STORAGE
1. Preliminary Studies
1.1 Reconnaissance
1.2 Pre-feasibility
1.3 Feasibility studies

2. Project Preparation
2.1 Preparation of Tender Document
2.2 Bidding
2.3 Contract Signing

3. Detailed Design Works

4. Construction and Installation

4.1 Access Road
4.2 Access Tunnel
4.3 Shafts and Tunnels
4.4 Underground Powerhouse
4.5 Equipment Works
4.5.1 Manufacture and Transport
4.5.2 Installation
4.5.3 Testing and Commissioning

5. Tailrace Tunnel
6. Transmission Line
7. Testing and Commissioning of whole system
8. Completion and Handover of Project
4. Project Schedule
Site work started in August 2021 and the Project has completed 50% till April 2025. Project
activities from preparation to actual construction and installation were generally on target,
hindered only by the unexpected delay in access road construction and underground powerhouse
installation. The appraisal and actual implementation schedules are shown chart.

5. Project Cost Estimate

The estimate of the project cost has been prepared as per the "Guidelines for study of
Hydropower Project, 2018" issued by Department of Electricity Development, Nepal. Quantities
were calculated using preliminary plans and drawings for various component works. On the basis
of system design and equipment sizing calculations, the quantities and ratings of different Hydro
Mechanical and Electro-mechanical equipment have been calculated.
S.N Description of items Cost in million $
1 Cost of Civil Works 75
2 Cost of Power Plant Electro Mechanical Equipment 100
including Transmission line
3 Cost of Power Plant Electro Mechanical Equipment 100
including Transmission line
4 Miscellaneous cost 25
Total cost 300

6. Environmental Impact of Project

Environmental impact was generally positive, as an extensive environmental protection
program was developed before project start-up. The program was implemented concurrently
with project implementation. Soil erosion was kept to a minimum, as all cut slopes were properly
covered with grass and planted with trees. Over the years, more than 20 thousands tree seedlings
were planted and more than 30 thousands square meters of turf were added. Aquatic life such as
carp and catfish was introduced into the two reservoirs to control algae growth.

7. Limitation of Project
The water ecology above and downstream will be affected during and after the completion of
this project. Due to dam building, the region around Begnas Lake may be fully flooded during
the monsoon season. Furthermore, since this project requires a significant quantity of
construction materials, excessive extraction of materials will have an impact on river regimes.