Chanju-I run-of-river hydroelectric project
Client: I A Energy
Location: Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India
Date: July 2011 - September 2016
Developing safe, cost-effective and sustainable run-of-river hydropower generation
Background
When Indo Arya, a large conglomerate with interests in steel, thermal power and logistics, decided to diversify into India’s renewable energy sector with the Chanju-I run-of-river hydropower project, it recognised the need to engage an experienced hydropower consultant. The project aimed to generate hydropower to support India’s rapidly growing demand for new renewable electricity supply.
Solution
The Chanju-I hydroelectric project involved construction of a 16-metre high barrage, a 4.1 km head race tunnel, two underground desilting chambers, underground pressure tunnels, pressure shafts and a surface power house.
Entura’s involvement over the full cycle of the project helped I A Energy ensure the right location, access and water availability for a viable project. We recommended the site, and then worked closely with the client to progress the project through its various stages, including site investigations, exploration of hydropower potential, environmental impact assessment, feasibility assessment, project approval, tender design, detailed design and construction advice and support. Entura provided technical expertise in the areas of project planning, optimisation, costing, contract packaging, equipment selection, scheduling, detailed design and project management.
We also supported the client across all project stages, going beyond the owner’s engineer role to achieve a level of collaboration between developer and consultant that enabled the project’s success.
Outcome
The Chanju-I project was completed in September 2016 with 36 MW of renewable generation capacity. It is set to provide attractive financial returns while also directly benefitting the local community.
Entura’s extensive hydropower experience and skills delivered valuable outcomes such as increasing the asset capacity from 25 MW to 36 MW, overcoming various project challenges, mitigating risks, and achieving significant cost savings through modifications to the project components to suit site conditions. The project has been noted for its speed and efficiency in construction.
