Abstract:
Module 5 (M5) incorporates pre-feasibility studies of three hydropower projects (HPPs): Border, Ethiopia. (also known as the Renaissance dam) Dal, Sudan. Mandaya, Ethiopia.
Essential topics considered at pre-feasibility level for the above HPPs include: review of previous studies, general hydrology, flood studies, sediment analysis, reservoir and power simulation (using RAPSO model), effects of the dams downstream, geology (rock outcrops around the dam site and its vicinity, geomorphology, discontinuities/fractures/joints, seismic hazard, other essential geotechnical evaluations, etc.), proposed design of the dams and power station (the dam, spillway, intake structures, penstocks, power house, tailrace, switchyard, etc.), electro-mechanical equipment (turbines, generators, transformers), transmission system, access road & bridges, cost estimates, construction program, environmental impacts, CO2 emission savings, economic analysis, financial analysis, etc.
In addition to the engineering studies, stand-alone initial environmental impact assessment documents were also prepared for the three HPPs. Important subjects raised include: policy, legal and administrative framework; existing environmental and social conditions; principal impacts (bio-physical, socio-economic, physical cultural heritage, regional, construction, operation, etc.), mitigation and enhancement measures; alternative HPPs; public consultations; draft environmental management and monitoring plan; preliminary or indicative costs, etc.
