Kutehr hydropower project
Client: State Bank of India
Location: Himachal Pradesh, India
Date: December 2019 - October 2024
Providing Lender's Engineer services to support a hydropower development in India's Himachal Pradesh
Background
India ranks fifth in the world for installed hydropower capacity, and harnessing this renewable energy source is crucial for the country’s clean energy future. The country is committed to expanding its renewable energy generation through hydropower developments to support its mix of renewable energy penetration.
The Kutehr hydroelectric project is being constructed in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The 240 MW run-of-river project is situated on the Ravi River, which runs through a valley in a mountainous area.
Solution
Entura was engaged by the State Bank of India to provide Lender’s Independent Engineer services for the Kutehr hydroelectric project. There were two phases to Entura’s role in the project, each contributing to the project’s overall success and the client’s satisfaction.
Phase I started in December 2019. The phase I report submitted in December 2020 involved compilation of a detailed review of all existing data and the tender documents, including technical specifications, project schedules, project estimated costs, existing clearances and approvals. The report included possible risks and available mitigation measures to provide the client with a high level of confidence in financing the project.
Phase II began in January 2022. This was characterised by quarterly site visits, from which progress reports were compiled. Entura then compared the progress reports with the developer’s original financial outline to ensure this aligned with expectations from all stakeholders.
The location of the project, paired with weather, posed some challenges. It is accessible via a road which is vulnerable to landslides in the rainy season. During this time, the collapse of several bridges due to landslides led to traffic disruptions and delays in the supply of materials, hampering progress. However, Entura worked with the client to help understand how project timelines and budget schedules were impacted and continue necessary project funding.
Services provided
- Lender's Engineer
- construction progress monitoring support
Outcome
Entura’s involvement in the project has ensured transparency between developer and lender and supported the project’s development through appropriate allocation of funds. Our innovative way of linking project progress with financial outlay has meant continued progress at site.
We will continue to support our client until the hydropower plant is commissioned, which is expected to occur in late 2024 or early 2025.
