Annex 4

Technical Guideline

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 Contents

1. Purpose of Technical Guideline

2. Scope of Feasibility Study

3. Socio-economic and social/natural environments survey

4. Topographical survey
4.1 Collection of existing topographical maps
4.2 Topographical survey and mapping for preliminary design
4.3 Longitudinal river profile survey
4.4 River cross-section survey

5. Meteorological/hydrological survey and analysis

5.1 Collection of existing meteorological/hydrological data
5.2 Meteorological/hydrological survey
5.3 Length of rainfall and river runoff data
5.4 Rationale and validation of selected rainfall and runoff data
5.5 Low flow analysis
5.6 Flood analysis
5.7 Backwater analysis of the reservoir during flood time
5.8 Hydraulic analysis during flood discharge and power discharge
5.9 Hydraulic analysis against landslide effect to reservoir
5.10 Reservoir evaporation
5.11 Reservoir sedimentation

6. Geological, seismic and Construction Material Survey

6.1 Geologic survey and analysis
6.1.1 Geological maps
6.1.2 Aerial photo interpretation
6.1.3 Geologic surface reconnaissance
6.1.4 Geophysical prospecting
6.1.5 Drilling investigation
6.1.6 Laboratory rock test
6.1.7 Other investigations
6.2 Seismic survey and analysis
6.3 Construction material survey
6.3.1 Material for concrete dam and other concrete structures
6.3.2 Material for embankment dam

7. Recommended Project
7.1 Project description
7.2 Preliminary Design
7.3 Construction Plan and Implementation Schedule
7.4 Project Cost

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 Technical Guideline on Feasibility Study

1. Purpose of Technical Guideline

This Technical Guideline present the detail contents, requirement and recommended methodologies for
Feasibility Study of hydropower project to be conducted by the Project Developer.

2. Scope of Technical Guideline

This Technical Guideline is applicable for all the hydropower projects developed by IPP investors,
EDL, EDL-GEN and PDEM.

3. Socio-economic and social/natural environments survey

The Project Developer shall prepare, in accordance with the results of socio-economic survey and
social/natural environmental survey, explanatory plan(s) on topographical maps of more than 1/50,000
scale showing both existing and future activities such as land utilizations, local development plans and
other water resource development plans as well as hydropower projects for the purpose of sustainable
integrated water resource and watershed management.

4. Topographical survey
4.1 Collection of existing topographical maps
The Project Developer shall collect existing topographical maps of 1/100,000 and 1/50,000-scale covering
the hydropower facilities of dam, waterways, powerhouse and transmission lines as well as drainage areas
and temporary facilities such as access roads, camp facilities, borrow areas, quarry sites and resettlement
areas. The above topographical maps of 1/100,000 and 1/50,000-scale are used only for identification of the
locations of project facilities including temporary facilities. Detailed topographical maps are required for
preparing preliminary designs as stated in 3.3.2.

4.2 Topographical survey and mapping for preliminary design

The Project Developer shall prepare the following topographic maps required for both planning study
and preliminary design.

・ 1/5,000 map to cover the project facilities including dam, waterways, and powerhouse, access
roads, and camp facilities, quarry sites, borrow areas and resettlement areas.
・ 1/10,000 map to cover inundated areas by dam and/or weir, and transmission line
・ 1/500-1/1,000 map to cover the above-ground structures of power facilities such as dam, weir,
open channel, head tank and powerhouse

4.3 Longitudinal river profile survey

The Project Developer shall conduct a longitudinal river profile survey by measuring river bed
elevations covering the most upstream end of the inundated area by dams or weir and the powerhouse
outlet location.

The Project Developer shall also investigate and study the river profile, i.e. “river-bed slope”, with
topographical maps of more than 1/50,000 scale in order to verify that potential heads of the river are
effectively utilized by both existing and planned hydropower projects, and then shall prepare the river
profile of main river and its tributaries indicating locations of existing and planned hydropower
projects.

4.4 River cross-section survey

The Project Developer shall conduct a river cross section survey at power outlet sites in order to study
the tailrace water levels of various power discharges. In case some downstream areas of the dam or the
powerhouse/outlet will be inundated during power discharges or flood discharges, the Project

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Developer shall conduct river cross section surveys for the downstream areas at appropriate intervals
in order to identify the inundated area due to the hydropower project.

4.5 Catchment area and reservoir volume

The Project Developer shall measure the catchment area of the main dam and/or intake weirs by
1/50,000 or 1/10,000 topographical map, and also calculate the reservoir volume of the project by
using appropriate topographical maps in two different methods of altitudinal and cross-section ones.

5. Meteorological/hydrological survey and analysis

5.1 Collection of existing meteorological/hydrological data
The Project Developer shall collect existing meteorological/hydrological data as below in and near the
project area. These data are utilized as bases for hydropower development planning, preliminary design and
construction schedule. A location map showing existing meteorological/hydrological stations and the
project shall be prepared.

・ Rainfall (daily, monthly, annual)

・ Temperature (daily average, daily minimum, daily maximum, monthly average)
・ Wind velocity and direction (daily average, daily minimum, daily maximum, monthly average)
・ River runoff (daily, monthly, annual)
・ Flood records (hourly river discharge records during floods, or flood marks at river banks or trees or
bridges)
・ Evaporation (monthly, annual)
・ Suspended load records during dry and rainy seasons together with river discharges
・ Sediment records of existing dams

5.2 Meteorological/hydrological survey

When the above existing data is not enough nor reliable for FS, the Project Developer shall set up gaging
stations and conduct surveys to collect sufficient and reliable meteorological/hydrological data for the
period of at least 1 year. It is advisable to measure river discharges at an appropriate location of the project
as well as rainfalls during FS. In case of small hydropower development of run-of-river type, it is advisable
to measure river discharges at a minimum 3-10 times a year including dry season in order to prepare runoff
duration curve, followed by the determination of installed capacity(kw), annual energy production(kwh)
and guaranteed capacity(kw) during dry season.

5.3 Length of rainfall and river runoff data

The length of rainfall and river runoff data series to be collected by the Project Developer shall be
greater than or equal to 10 years, and 20-30 years of river runoff data series are preferable for sound
and reliable hydropower planning.

5.4 Rationale and validation of selected rainfall and runoff data

The Project Developer shall establish rationales of the selected meteorological/hydrological stations to be
used for FS in terms of their locations, record lengths and their reliabilities.

Prior to the use of measured rainfall and runoff data for FS, the Project Developer shall validate the
consistency and reliability of the measured data through statistical approaches. If they are found to be
inappropriate, the Project Developer shall identify the reasons of inappropriateness and eliminate them
from the data series or correct them by reasonable methods.

5.5 River flow analysis

When the length of river runoff data series is less than 10 years, the Project Developer shall conduct
low flow analysis in order to prepare a river runoff data series at main dam site and/or intake dam/weir

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sites for not less than 10 years, preferably 20-30 years, through the following methods and their
combinations of hydrological analysis.

(1) Ratio of catchment areas between dam and gauging station (s) in the same river basin on
condition that their drainage areas have similar rainfall patterns and amounts through a year

 Qg  AB1 Qg2  AB2  Ad

Qd   1   
 Ag 1 Ag 2  AB1  AB2

Qd: runoff at dam site (m3/sec)

Qgl: runoff at No. 1 gauging station (m3/sec)
Qg2: runoff at No. 2 gauging station m3/sec)
Ad: catchment area of dam site (km2)
Agl: catchment area of No. 1 gauging station (km2)
Ag2: catchment area of No. 2 gauging station (km2)
ABl: catchment area of No. 1 tributary (km2)
AB2: catchment area of No. 2 tributary (km2)

It is noted that the ratio of catchment area of dam site to that of gauging station is preferably
several times.

(2) Ratio of catchment areas considering the weight of the rainfall

When the dam site and the gauging station are located separately, and rainfall amounts at the two
sites are different, the runoff at the dam site is calculated by using a ratio of the catchment areas
considering the weight of rainfall. The average rainfall in the catchment area is estimated by using
isohyetal map or Thiessen method. Flow Qd at the dam site is expressed by the following
equation;

Rd×Ad Qd: runoff at dam site (m3/sec)

Qd＝Qｇ ×
Rg×Ag Qg: runoff at gauging station (m3/sec)
Rd: average rainfall at dam site (mm)
Rg: average rainfall at gauging station (mm)
Ad: catchment area of dam site (km2)
Ag: catchment area of gauging station (km2)

(3) Correlation between runoff data of gauging stations

When the length of the runoff data at the dam site is not long enough, less than 10 years, and there
exists other gauging station nearby with long-enough runoff data more than 10 years, the runoff
data of the dam site can be extended for a longer period through a regression analysis with
least-square method. Correlation coefficient of more than 0.7 is generally accepted

(4) Data generation method of mathematical models

When the length of the runoff data at the dam site is not long enough, less than 10 years, and there
exists rainfall station nearby with long-enough runoff data of more than 10 years, the runoff data
of the dam site can be generated by using mathematical models such as tank model, distributed
runoff model and so on.

The Project Developer shall process the monthly, weekly or daily runoff data at the main dam site or
intake weir site and prepare a flow duration curve for run-of-river development project or a mass curve
for reservoir development project.

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5.6 Flood analysis
Flood analysis is carried out to estimate flood flows at a proposed dam site. These flood estimates are
required for the design of dam/spillways and diversion facilities. The inflow design flood shall be
carefully determined through various approaches and considerations. Dam failure might cause
tremendous damage against downstream area such as loss of life and economic loss. “Inflow Design
Flood” for dam and spillway is specified in Article 17 of LEPTS as below taking care of hazard
potential against downstream area of the dam.

On the other hand, design flood at dam site during construction is determined by the Project Developer
based on probable flood discharge for T- year returns period in consideration of dam type,
construction plan and schedule, river diversion method and construction cost.

The Project Developer shall estimate “Probable Maximum Flood (PMF)” and “Probable Floods for
various return periods up to 10,000 year” by using available measured meteorological and hydrologic
data, and MEM shall determine “Inflow Design Flood” for dam and spillway according to the dam
classification specified in Article 17 of LEPTS.

Impact on economy,
Dam classification Loss of life Inflow design flood
society & environment
High Large increase Excessive increase PMF
Significant Some increase Substantial increase Between PMF & 1000-year flood
Low No increase Low increase Between PMF & 100-year flood

(1) Probable Maximum Flood (PMF)

PMF is defined as theoretically anticipated flood in the worst meteorological and hydrological
conditions of the concerned area. “Hydrograph Analysis” is generally employed to estimate the PMF.
The outline of work flow for the PMF is described in the chart below.

Select rain gauge station

DAD analysis of rainfall

(Depth-Area-Duration)

Estimate PMP Determine area

(Probable Maximum Precipitation) reduction factor &
hourly distribution

Design PMP hyeto-graph

Construct Unit Hydrograph

PMF Hydrograph

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The Project Developer shall identify rainfall gauging stations in/around the concerned river basin and
select the stations of which records are used for Depth-Area analysis to obtain the area reduction factor
for estimating a mean rainfall over the river basin. In general, the relation between point rainfall depth
and basin mean rainfall depth is expressed by an exponential equation below, known as Horton’s
equation.

Pb = P0 * exp[-kAn]

Pb: mean rainfall depth over an area A (mm)

P0: maximum point rainfall at a storm center (mm)
A: concerned area (km2)
k,n: constant for a given area

The Project Developer shall carry out Depth-Duration analysis by collecting hourly rainfall records
during storms and estimating the hourly rainfall hyet-graph of heavy rainfall storm. When there are no
hourly rainfall records in/around the river basin, the Project Developer shall install a self-recording
rain gauge in the river basin and collect the hourly rainfall records.

The Project Developer shall estimate the PMP through appropriate methods by using available data.
The following methods are generally used for hydropower projects. It is advisable to estimate the PMP
by more than two (2) methods.

・ Theoretical approach in terms of the physically maximum moisture content by using temperature,
humidity, dew points and wind velocity/direction

・ Statistical approach which was developed by Hershfield and standardized by WMO in 1986

・ Historical approach by examining historical maximum rainfall storms ever occurred in the
concerned area

・ U.S. Weather Bureau method for the Lower Mekong River Basin to estimate “generalized PMP”
with little meteorological and hydrological data

The Project Developer shall construct unit hydrograph(s) by an appropriate methods including SCS1
dimensionless unit hydrograph method, construct the PMP hydrograph(s) and estimate the peak
discharge of PMF.

(2) Probable floods for various return periods

Probable flood discharge for T- year returns period is calculated by using a data series of annual
maximum peak river discharges at gauging station(s). Hourly or daily discharge records depending on
the size of drainage area are used for the estimation of probable flood discharges. The number of
observed annual peak discharges is required for at least 10 years, preferably 20-30 years.
When daily discharges are used for the estimation, it is advisable that peak discharges are calculated
by multiplying observed daily discharges by a reasonable conversion coefficient.
A most fitted frequency curve for observed annual peak discharges is selected from
probability density functions such as Gumbel’s distribution, Pearson distribution, log normal
distribution, log Pearson type III distribution.

1 SCS: Soil Conservation Service (USA), now Natural Resources Conservation Center (NRCS)

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5.7 Backwater analysis of the reservoir during flood time
The Project Developer shall carry out a backwater analysis of the reservoir during inflow design flood
in order to access impacts of the reservoir water level rising in the upstream area including local
villages, cultivated lands and existing structures like bridges and roads.

In case serious impacts are anticipated during inflow design flood, the Project Developer shall prepare
safe-guard plans to mitigate and alleviate those impacts.

5.8 Hydraulic analysis during flood discharge and power discharge

The Project Developer shall carry out hydraulic analysis in the downstream area during both the
normal power operation and the flood discharging through the spillway and then prepare a hazard map
to indicate downstream inundated areas on topographical maps in order to examine impacts of the
power discharge or flood waters over local villages, cultivated lands and existing structures like
bridges and roads.

5.9 Hydraulic analysis against landslide effect to reservoir

In case a large-scale landslide occurs in the reservoir area of the hydropower project, it causes huge
shock waves in the reservoir which might overtop the dam crest. When the Project Developer
identifies high potential locations of large-scale landslides, he shall conduct hydraulic calculations to
simulate its disaster and confirm whether the dam will be overtopped or not.

5.10 Reservoir evaporation

When the evaporation loss from the reservoir surface will not be negligible compared with river
inflow into the reservoir, the Project Developer shall estimate the monthly amount of the evaporation
from the reservoir by using measured data of evaporation pans. Evaporation loss from the reservoir
surface is estimated by the equation below.

ELoss = Eopen – P, when Eopen > P

ELoss = 0.0, when P > Eopen

ELoss: monthly evaporation loss from reservoir surface

Eopen: monthly evaporation from open water (measured value)
P: monthly rainfall at reservoir surface

5.11 Reservoir sedimentation

The Project Developer shall investigate and analyze suspended loads and river water quality in order
to 1) estimate sedimentation volume of the reservoir, 2) design the settling basin, 3) design the sand
flushing gate, and 4) ensure the durability of turbines.

Sediment phenomena progresses and it reduces effective storage capacity between HWL and LWL as
shown below. It is assumed that the sediment is deposited horizontally under the LWL. The LWL is
determined in consideration of sediment volume and the sedimentation level and required
water depth for the intake under the LWL. When the huge amount of reservoir sediment is
estimated and power generation might be effected in spite of appropriate countermeasures, the Project
Developer shall simulate a sediment configuration in the reservoir through mathematical analysis in
order to estimate an actual sediment profile.

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The Project Developer shall estimate the sediment volume deposited during 100 years after the dam
completion through the two (2) different methods below.

(1) Estimation by measured data of suspended load

The work flow of estimation of sediment volume for 100 years is shown in the chart below.

Collect measured data of

suspended load

Calculate annual
suspended load & bed load

Trap efficiency of
the reservoir

Calculate the average

density of the sediment
deposited in 100 years

Estimate sediment volume

for 100 years

(2) Estimation by actual sediment records of existing dams

When dams already exists near the proposed dam site and their sedimentation records are available,
the sediment volume of the proposed dam site is estimated from the specific sediment yield, which is
the sediment volume delivered to the reservoir from catchment area of 1 km2 in a year (unit:
m3/km2/year). If the condition such as climate, geology, topography and scale of reservoir are
resemble in the proposed project site, the nearby sedimentation record can contribute to estimate the
sediment volume with high reliability.

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6. Geological, seismic and Construction Material Survey
The Project Developer shall collect data and information on geology, seismicity and construction
material covering the project area in order to 1) figure out geological conditions of the drainage area,
dam site and waterway route, 2) study the reservoir water-tightness, 3) to identify possible landslide
areas, 4) identify possibility of earthquakes and 5) study the availability of construction material such
as dam embankment, concrete and aggregates.

6.1 Geologic survey and analysis

6.1.1 Geological maps
The Project Developer shall prepare the following geological maps, but not limited to, after the
geologic surveys described in 6.1.2 – 6.1.7.

・ 1/5,000 geologic maps: the project area including dam, waterway, powerhouse, access roads for
construction, quarry sites, borrow areas, temporary facilities and resettlement areas.
・ 1/5,000-1/10,000 geologic plan: dam and reservoir area
・ 1/5,000-1/10,000 geologic profile: dam and reservoir area
・ 1/1,000-1/2,000 geologic plan and sections: dam and other power structures
・ 1/5,000 geologic sections: quarry sites and borrow areas

6.1.2 Aerial photo interpretation

The Project Developer will be able to use aerial photos, if necessary for FS, not only for preparing
topographical maps but also for a supplementary means of geologic survey through aerial photo
interpretation.

6.1.3 Geologic surface reconnaissance

Following literature survey and morphologic interpretation by both aerial photos and topographical
maps, the Project Developer shall carry out the geologic surface reconnaissance with topographic
maps below.
1/5,000–1/25,000 topographic maps: reservoir area and waterway route
1/1,000–1/2,000 topographic maps: dam, powerhouse and other structures

Geologic surface reconnaissance shall observe and identify geologic and morphologic features on
geological outcrops, overburdens and morphology as below;

 Geological outcrops
・ Lithofacies including type of bedrocks, distribution of the stratum, joint pattern,
characteristics of bedding and schistose planes and geologic ages
・ Lithologic characters including hardness of bedrocks, conditions of weathering and alteration,
conditions of crack/joint and remarkable phenomena such as secondary deposit and cavity
・ Geologic structure including folding structure, faults, surface water and underground water

 Overburden
・ Type of deposit, genesis, characteristics, distribution and vegetation

 Morphology
・ Valley configuration
・ Flat surface configuration
・ Particular or unusual topography as karst, landslide and fault valley

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6.1.4 Geophysical prospecting
The Project Developer shall conduct geophysical prospecting such as seismic prospecting, electric
prospecting, gravity prospecting and magnetic prospecting in order to identify the underground
geologic and hydrologic structures. Seismic prospecting is a most generally method used for
hydroelectric power projects.

The length of prospecting lines shall be at least five (5) times longer than the depth to be prospected.
Prospecting results shall be compared with drilled cores collected from drillholes located at
intersecting points of prospecting lines and/or along the lines.

6.1.5 Drilling investigation

The Project Developer shall conduct drilling investigation when the geologic surface reconnaissance
and geologic prospecting are insufficient to get geologic and subsurface hydrologic conditions at dam,
powerhouse and other structures.

The Project Developer shall keep utmost technical efforts for full core recovery and store the
recovered cores into specified core boxes. Through the drilled core observation, the Project Developer
shall prepare drillholes’ logs to describe the following items.

・ Geologic name (rock name, stratum name and surface deposit)

・ Rock color with water-saturated
・ Weathering, hardness, joint, solubility, swelling by water
・ Drilling records (drilling speed and supply/drain water rate)

Depending on actual geologic and topographic conditions, the number of drillholes at dam site is
generally as below.

・ Dam height ≤ 50 m :
Total 5 drillholes including 3 holes at river bed & 2 holes at both river banks

・ 50m < Dam height ≤ 100m :

Total 7 drillholes including 5 holes at river bed & 2 holes at both river banks

・ 100m < Dam height :

Total 9 drillholes including 7 holes at river bed & 2 holes at both river banks

The depth of drillholes at dam site is generally the same as dam height, depending on actual geological
condition.

The Project Developer will carry out permeability tests, seismic prospecting and horizontal loading
test by using drilled holes.

When seasonal ground water levels in dry and rainy seasons are key factors for the design of dam and
other structures, the Project Developer shall monitor groundwater levels in the drillholes through a
year.

6.1.6 Laboratory rock test

The Project Developer will carry out laboratory rock tests according to international standards such as
ASTM, BS, JIS and others using rock samples collected from drillholes. The following tests are
generally conducted for FS of hydropower projects.

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・ Specific gravity/absorption test, ultra-sonic wave test
・ Unconfined compression test, Splitting tensile strength test, tri-axial compression test

6.1.7 Other investigations

In case 1) extremely high pervious layer or zone exists in the reservoir, 2) groundwater levels at river
banks of dam site is lower than river water level, 3) there might be potential large leakage from the
reservoir or dam abutment through limestone and/or karst zone, the Project Developer will carry out
the following investigations on groundwater flows in order to secure the water-tightness of the
reservoir or the dam safety.

・ Simultaneous measurement of river discharges at multiple locations in the river

・ Water quality measurement of river at multiple locations in a river to estimate flow routes of
groundwater
・ Tracing investigation of river flow with a colored material

6.2 Seismic survey and analysis

The Project Developer shall collect and analyze historical seismic records, reports and information on
seismic activities, geological formation and existence of faults in/around the project area, and then he
shall determine the seismic design coefficient considering seismic activity level at the project area,
geologic conditions of the structures’ foundation, existence of geologic faults and type of dam.
When possible earthquakes might significantly affect the safety and stability of power facilities, the
Project Developer shall further study dynamic seismic analysis for power facilities.

6.3 Construction material survey

The Project Developer shall carry out construction material survey described below in order to 1)
select the dam type such as RCC dam, concrete dam or embankment dam, 2) prepare preliminary
designs for power structures and 3) prepare the construction planning and schedule.

6.3.1 Material for concrete dam and other concrete structures

The Project Developer shall investigate the availability of ready-mixed concrete and concrete
materials including cement, concrete aggregates and fly ash in terms of quantity and quality. For
example, the concrete aggregates will be procured from quarries, river bed gravels, excavated rocks,
and existing concrete plants, followed by quality tests such as specific gravity test, water absorption
test, grain size distribution, Los Angeles test and alkali-aggregate-reaction test to confirm whether the
materials to be procured will possess the required qualities for concrete aggregates as below.

・ Sufficient hardness, strength and durability

・ Adequate gravel diameter and size distribution
・ Less than permissible levels of deleterious materials

The Project Developer shall confirm whether fly ash used for RCC dam and other concrete structures
will satisfy required qualities. If not, unsatisfied qualities of the fly ash shall be improved or modified
through appropriate measures.

The Project Developer shall investigate potential quantities at candidate quarry sites by geological
maps, geologic surface reconnaissance, seismic prospecting and drillholes in order to confirm whether
they have enough volumes of aggregates required for the project.

6.3.2 Material for embankment dam

The Project Developer shall carry out the following tests for embankment materials to confirm
whether the materials possess required qualities as well as their quantities.

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・ Pervious and semi-pervious material: specific gravity test, water absorption test, grain size
distribution test, uniaxial compression test

・ Impervious material: natural water content, specific gravity test, liquidity/inelastic limit, grain
size distribution test, compaction permeability test, triaxial compression test

7. Recommended Project
7.1 Project description
The Project Developer shall provide detail features and descriptions on a recommended project
scheme in accordance with the results of alternative study and optimization study. Required items of
project descriptions are listed below.

(1) Reservoir: catchment area (km2), annual basin rainfall (mm), annual mean runoff (million m3),
reservoir surface area (km2) at HWL, High Water Level (EL.m), Low Water Level (EL.m), gross
reservoir capacity (million m3), effective reservoir capacity (million m3), available draw-down depth
(m)

(2) Main dam: dam type, dam height (m), dam crest length (m), dam width (m), dam volume (m3)

(3) Auxiliary dam: dam type, dam height (m), dam crest length (m), dam width (m), dam volume (m3)

(4) Intake dam/weir: catchment area (km2), annual basin rainfall (mm), annual mean runoff (million
m3), intake water level (EL.m), dam type, dam height (m), dam crest length (m), dam width (m), dam
volume (m3)

(5) Spillway: inflow design flood (m3/sec), type of spillway gate, number and size of spillway gates

(6) Power intake: location and type of power intake, type of intake gate, number and size of intake
gate

(7) Headrace/Tailrace tunnel: number of tunnels, length and diameter of tunnels (m)

(8) Headrace/Tailrace channel: number of channels, length and size of channels (m)

(9) Head tank/Surge tank: type of tank, size of tank (m)

(10) Penstock: number of penstocks, type of penstocks (tunnel or exposed), material of penstocks,
length and diameter of penstocks (m)

(11) Power plant: design power discharge (m3/sec), rated head (m), plant capacity (MW), power
supply for domestic use and/or export (MW), annual power generation (Gwh), type of powerhouse
(open or underground), size of power house (m)

(12) Turbine: type of turbines, number of turbines, rated output (MW)/rated head (m)/rated speed
(rpm) of turbines

(13) Generator: type of generators, number of generators, rated output (MVA)/rated speed (rpm) of
generators, power factor of generators

(14)Transformer: type of transformers, number of transformers, voltage ratio (kV), rated capacity

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(MVA) of transformers

(15) Transmission line: type and length (km) of transmission line

(16) Substation: type of substation, size of substation (m)

(17) Access road/bridge: length and width of permanent access road/bridges (m)

(18) Resettlement/relocation: number of villages, number of households, number of people, relocation

of existing road or bridge

(19) Environmental/ecological flow: flow discharge (m3/sec), discharge method, length of recession
area of the river (km)

(20) Economy: total project cost (million USD), unit cost (USD/kw), EIRR, FIRR

7.2 Preliminary Design

7.2.1 Hydropower civil engineering facilities
According to Chapter 2 of LEPTS the Project Developer shall design hydropower civil engineering
facilities for the recommended project in the following manners and prepare design drawings of plans,
profiles and typical sections for dam/intake weir, intake, headrace, head tank/surge tank, penstock,
powerhouse and outlet/tailrace. The Project Developer will prepare and submit structural calculation
reports and/or stability calculation reports of dam, spillway and other key structures, if requested by
MEM or PDEM.

・ To use topographical maps of 1/1000-1/2000,

・ To base on the results of hydrological survey and analysis,
・ To decide physical/geotechnical properties of rocks and construction materials by accessing
results of geotechnical investigation, various tests and literature survey
・ To set up design criteria including design loads and safety coefficients for assumed design
conditions,

When the hydropower project is planned to locate its dam at the Mekong mainstream in the Lower
Mekong Basin, this preliminary design shall be in compliance with the document “Preliminary Design
Guidance for proposed mainstream Dams in the Lower Mekong Basin (Mekong River Committee,
2009 August) in order to prevent any social and environmental impacts or other potential risks in the
four MRC member countries. The impacts and risks are particularly with respect to navigation,
fisheries, sediment transport and river morphology, water quality and aquatic ecology, and safety of
dams.

For the preliminary design the Project Developer shall study the following points for respective
facilities, but not limited to.

Main dam and auxiliary dams: its location in topographical and geological/geotechnical points of view,
alternatives of dam types, availability of dam body materials, foundation treatment including gallery
and grouting, method of river diversion, floods during construction, instrumentation during
construction and after completion

Intake dam/weir: its location for placing intake and settling basin, geological/geotechnical condition,
access for maintenance

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Spillway: its location and types, cavitation during discharging, operation rule of spillway gates during
floods, downstream effects during discharging,

Intake: its location and alignment not to breathe air or flow in whirls, flow capacity and velocity,
structure types, geological and geotechnical conditions

Headrace/Tailrace: its alignment, flow capacity and velocity, structure types, geological and
geotechnical conditions for tunnel, lining pattern for tunnel, landslides and/or flush floods for headrace,
maintenance after completion

Head Tank/Surge Tank: its location, structure types, tank capacity, geological and geotechnical
conditions, access for maintenance

Penstock: its alignment, materials of penstock pipes, flow capacity and velocity, structure types,
geological and geotechnical conditions, installation method of penstock pipes, access for maintenance,
instrumentation after completion

Powerhouse: its location, geological and geotechnical conditions, safety against floods during
construction and after completion, cavern stability and supporting design of underground powerhouse,
installation method of turbine and generators, regulating pond/dam downstream, warning system at the
time of power discharging

Reservoir: flood management system including rainfall/inflow monitoring method, discharge process
and measures from spillway, warning system to downstream communities, environmental discharge,
reservoir operation rule, water sharing rules between power, irrigation, industrial water, navigation and
tourism

Others: capacities of disposal areas and its utilization after completion, utilization plan of temporary
facilities’ areas after completion, utilization and plantation plans of borrow areas and quarries,
resettlement plans, tree trimming plan in the reservoir area before impounding the reservoir

7.2.2 Hydro-mechanical facilities

According to Chapter 2 of LEPTS the Project Developer shall design hydraulic gates, high pressure
valves and trash-racks such as spillway gate, intake gate, sediment flush gate, draft gate, outlet gate,
fish-way gate, navigation lock gate, conduit valve, outlet valve, etc. in the following manners.

・ To select the type, shape, size and number of hydraulic gates and valves
・ To select the type of hoisting device of hydraulic gates
・ To determine operating conditions of hydraulic gates and valves in normal and emergency cases

7.2.3 Electro-mechanical facilities

The Project Developer shall determine the type, number and specification of turbine, generator and
other electrical facilities in consideration of design power discharge with planned monthly available
output and effective heads with water volume.

According to Chapter 3 of LEPTS the Project Developer shall design turbines, generators, main
transformers and their auxiliary facilities, followed by the preparation of drawings presenting layout
plans of electrical facilities at power station and substation.

Environmental conditions shall be carefully studied and adequate countermeasure shall be provided.
Major items to be concerned are as follows;

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・ Vibration and noise from turbine/generator and transformers.
・ Oil/water separation system for turbine/ generator and transformer.
・ Firefighting system for the necessary place,
・ Indoor type “Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)” for medium voltage,
The Project Developer shall prepare general arrangement and single line diagram for the power station
in view of technical, economical, energy conservation and reliable points as below:
・ Applicable standard: IEC and/or LEPTS
・ Number and capacity of generators
・ Synchronous generator [kVA], [V], [SCR] with pf=0.8
・ Selection of transmission line voltage
・ Communication method of “Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) for SCADA” with Load Dispatching
Center (LDC)
・ Building code or standards of Lao PDR for powerhouse?
・ Safe and easy operation and maintenance?

7.2.4 Transmission line

The Project Developer shall study and determine an optimal route of transmission line with right of
way and connection point to the existing substation. Sectional view and river crossing if any, shall be
provided by using 1/5,000 topographical maps in consideration of meteorological data.
Highest point of the transmission line shall be indicated.
Following certificate and agreement shall be concluded by the end of feasibility study.
・ Environmental certificate issued by MONRE
・ Agreement on transmission line issued by EDL.
According to Chapter 3 of LEPTS, the Project Developer shall design transmission system including
substation and connection point to the existing substation with their auxiliary facilities, and then
prepare drawings presenting layout plans of electrical facilities. Control and protection relay panel
related to the existing substation may be provided.
Environmental conditions shall be carefully studied. Major items to be concerned are as follows;
・ Number of resettlement households
・ Legal restrictions of land uses
・ No passage to the environmental protected area
・ Height of overhead conductors
・ Crossing points to the existing 22/115/230/500kV lines
・ Oil/water separation system for transformer with fire-fighting system
・ Indoor type VCB for medium voltage and outdoor type SF6 CB for 115, 230 or 500kV system
・ Optical fiber overhead ground wire (OPGW)
The Project Developer shall prepare general route map, detail route map with right of way, details of
crossing section at the river and road.
Technical items to be concerned are as follows;
・ Local development plans and future project such as road, other public facilities
・ Short circuit current and other system requirement
・ Communication method of RTU for SCADA with LDC
・ Protection and insulation coordination to the existing facility?
・ Alternative transmission line route and connection point?
・ Seismic zone map
・ Requirement of Lao Grid Code?

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・ Safe and easy operation and maintenance?
According to Section 3-5 “Transmission Lines” of LEPTS, the Project Developer shall select overhead
conductors, supporting structures, etc. considering design manual of transmission system of EDL.
In case the hydropower project will be linked to the national grid of Lao or neighboring countries, the
PD shall conduct the power system analysis in order to confirm reliability, power flow and short
circuit current.

7.2.5 List of Drawings of Preliminary Design

・ General layout covering dam, reservoir, waterways, powerhouse, transmission line, access roads,
temporary facilities, disposal areas, borrow areas and quarries
・ General plan of dam, auxiliary dam, intake dam/weir
・ Upstream and downstream view of dam, auxiliary dam, intake dam/weir
・ Typical sections of dam, auxiliary dam, intake dam/weir
・ Foundation treatment plan of dam
・ River diversion method
・ Plan and profiles of spillway section and stilling basin/energy dissipator including spillway gates
・ Plan and profiles of power intake including intake gates
・ Plan and profiles of sediment settling basin
・ Plan and profiles of headrace tunnel or headrace channel
・ Plan and profiles of head tank or surge tank
・ Plan and profiles of penstocks
・ Plan, profiles and floor plans of powerhouse
・ Plan and profiles of tailrace and outlet
・ Floor arrangement plans and profiles of electro-mechanical equipment including turbines,
generators and auxiliary equipment
・ Plan and profiles of switchyard including arrangement of electrical equipment
・ Overall single line diagram including transmission and substation to be connected
・ Single diagram of power station
・ Route map of transmission line with right of way
・ Highest point of transmission line
・ Profiles of transmission tower including foundation bases
・ Sectional views of transmission line at river crossing points, if any
・ Plan and profile of disposal areas
・ Plan and profiles of borrow areas and quarries
・ General layout plan of temporary facilities including camps, concrete plant, turbid water
treatment plant, steel processing yard, parking lots for construction equipment, warehouses, and
other facilities

7.3 Construction Plan and Implementation Schedule

7.3.1Basic data for construction plan and schedule
The Project Developer shall collect the following data and information prior to preparation of
construction planning and schedule.

・ Meteorological data including temperature, rainfall, number of rainy days, etc.

・ Hydrologic data including flood discharge, frequency of floods, etc.
・ River water properties including temperature, quality, turbidity, pH
・ Topographical and geological maps of 1/5,000 covering project facilities and temporary facilities
・ Site conditions including geographical location of the project and living conditions in its vicinity
・ Construction conditions including availability of construction machines, materials and labors

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・ Transportation conditions of roads and bridges near the project area
・ Electricity for construction including availability of existing power transmission lines near the
project area

7.3.2 Construction plan and schedule

The Project Developer shall prepare construction/installation plans and schedules of the following
works in consideration of local meteorological/hydrological conditions, transportation/shipping
conditions and availabilities of construction materials/machine and workers.

・ Preparatory works including access roads, temporary bridges and distribution lines for the
construction
・ Temporary facilities including camps, concrete plant, turbid water treatment plant, steel
processing yard, parking lots for construction equipment, warehouses, and other facilities
・ Civil works of dam, waterway, powerhouse, etc.
・ Electro-mechanical works of turbines, generators, transformers and auxiliary equipment
・ Hydro-mechanical works of gates, valves and steel penstocks
・ Transmission line works
・ Resettlement works
・ Environmental mitigation works and safe-guard measures works

All main milestones and risks shall be clearly identified and addressed; in addition, the critical path
shall be indicated in the construction schedule. Main milestones are summarized below, but not
limited to.

・ Completion of dam excavation

・ Commencement of river diversion
・ Commencement of initial reservoir pounding
・ Commencement of dry test of electro-mechanical equipment
・ Commencement of wet test of electro-mechanical equipment
・ Commencement of commercial operation

7.4 Project Cost

The Project Developer shall estimate the project cost by local currency (LAK) and foreign currency
(US$), present the total construction cost in US$ by changing the cost for local currency (LAK) to
foreign currency (US$), and prepare a summary of the project cost shown in the following table as
well as “Bill of Quantity” sheets by work items. “Bill of Quantity” sheets for respective work items
shall indicate lengths, number, volume and weight of concrete, excavation, steel bars, and other
construction materials. When work items such as hydro-electrical equipment cannot be expressed as
above, their lump sum prices are accepted.

The Project Developer shall describe clearly 1) how the above respective cost items are estimated and
2) how the unit costs are derived,.

The Project Developer shall also prepare the disbursement schedule of the project cost according to the
construction schedule stated in 7.3.2 Construction Plan and Schedule.

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 Cost Item Work Item
1. Base Cost
1.1 Development cost Feasibility study, Basic design & Detail design prior to
construction
1.2 Preparation works & temporary Access roads, temporary bridges, distribution lines for
facilities the construction, camps, concrete plant, turbid water
treatment plant, steel processing yard, parking lots for
construction equipment, warehouses, and other faciliti
1.3 Land acquisition & compensation Cost for land acquisition, land lease and compensation
for local villages and local people during construction
as well as during operation
1.4 Safeguarding works Environmental mitigation works to safeguard the
environment to be affected by the project
1.5 Civil works Main dam, auxiliary dam, spillway, intake weir/dam,
sediment settling basin, intake, headrace
tunnel/channel, surge tank/head tank, penstock,
powerhouse, tailrace tunnel/channel, outlet
1.6 Hydro-mechanical equipment Hydraulic gates, high pressure valves and trash-racks
such as spillway gate, intake gate, sediment flush gate,
draft gate, outlet gate, fish-way gate, navigation lock
gate, conduit valve, outlet valve, trash-racks, steel
penstocks
1.7 Electro-mechanical equipment Turbines, generators, transformers and auxiliary
equipment
1.8 Transmission and distribution line Transmission line, distribution line, steel tower
works structures, electricity concrete poles
1.9 Administration cost Administration cost for headquarter and site office
1.10 Engineering service cost Construction drawings and construction supervision
1.11 Physical Contingency Unexpected increase of work volume/quantities

Sub-total Total of Basic Cost

2. Price contingency Unexpected increase of unit cost

3. Taxes & Royalties
4. Interest during construction
Total Total of 1, 2, 3 and 4

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