SMEC Awarded Major Hydropower Project in Nepal

SMEC has been awarded a contract by the Government of Nepal's Department of Electricity Development to provide detailed engineering designs and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) on the 20 MW Budhi Ganga Hydropower Project.

Located on the Budhi Ganga River in the Far-Western Development Region of Nepal, this project is a run-of-river scheme designed to generate an average of 2,520 GWh per year. The objectives of the project are: to increase the electricity generation capacity of Nepal; help meet growing load demands and reduce load shedding; and contribute to national economic and social development. SMEC, in association with Udaya Consultancy, will provide: review of existing feasibility and environmental impact study reports; detailed design of all civil works, hydraulic steel structures, electromechanical equipment, transmission lines and substations; and preparation of tender documents.

SMEC will also complete ESIAs and develop an Environmental and Social Management Plan. This will include: preparing terms of reference and scoping documents; updating baseline surveys; and conducting detailed analysis of impacts anticipated during construction and operation phases.