The company has invited consultants to seek prequalification to undertake preparation of the feasibility, design and bid materials, including investigation works, for the 402MW scheme. The investigative works include environmental impact assessment as well as geological studies.
The deadline for submissions to be shortlisted to bid for the contract is 22 September. The contract duration is expected to be 24 months.
SJVN is developing the run-of-river project on a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis under a concession awarded by the Government of Nepal in March. The project is to be built on the Arun river, a tributary of the Sapt Koshi in Koshi basin in Sankhuwasbha district. The site is about 300km from Biratnagar and 650km from Kathmandu.
The civils works for the envisaged scheme call for construction of a 68m high dam, four underground desilting chambers, a surge shaft (23.4m wide by 97m deep), and a 11km long headrace tunnel of 7.5m diameter.
The underground powerhouse is to be 22m wide by 35m high by 161m long. It will house six Pelton turbines each of 67MW installed capacity. The electricity generated is to be exported to India.
Arun III was initially planned to have the 402MW plant by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in the mid-1990s. It will received the consultant's feasibility study for review and approval as will the Ministry of Water Resources, the Department of Electricity Development and other agencies in Nepal. In addition, approvals will also be required from authorities in India - including the Ministry of Power, Central Electricity Authority and Central water Commission.
SJVN is a JV of the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
