Pre- Feasibility Study of Lower Chhujung Hydropower Project

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of generating power from the small hydropower site located in Chhujung Khola and Arun River, situated in the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal. The project lies within the geographical coordinates of 87'27'11.00"E to 87'26'38.00"E and 27'45'36.00"N to 27'45'57.00"N falling under the Koshi Province. Chhujung khola Hydropower Project is a high head run off river type project with a design discharge of 9.03 m3/s. The installed capacity of the project is 4.03 MW, consisting of two units of Francis turbine with each having a capacity of 2.02 MW. The net head of the project is 51.75 m, and it involves water conveyance from the settling basin to the head pond, followed by a 398 m long headrace pipe leading to the surge pipe. The penstock, which is 94 m in length, connects the surge tank to the powerhouse. The total cost of the project is estimated to be NRs. 65,25,86,170 with a benefit-cost (B/C) ratio of 1.44, modified B/C ratio of 1.6, and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 20.09 %. The payback period 4.96 year of the project is expected to be 4 years and 11 months. The primary focus of this study is to assess the hydraulic design of civil structures and their sizing arrangements with respect to the local constraints and suitability. The project involves the construction of various civil structures such as the settling basin, head pond, aqueduct, headrace pipe, surge pipe, penstock, and powerhouse. The study aims to evaluate the technical feasibility of these structures and their ability to withstand the harsh environmental conditions prevalent in the region. In summary, the study highlights the technical and financial viability of the Lower Chhujung khola Hydropower Project, indicating that the project is highly feasible and economically viable. The assessment of the hydraulic design of civil structures and their sizing arrangements adds to the study's importance, highlighting the project's ability to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of the region.