Diamer Bhasha Dam
Diamer Bhasha Dam
Client
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) of Pakistan.
Location
Diamer Bhasha Dam Project is planed to built on river Indus, about 300 km upstream of Tarbela Dam Project, Pakistan and about 40 km downstream of Chilas Town, which is the headquarter of Diamer District of Northern Areas.
Engineering Studies
Initial Feasibility Report of Diamer Bhasha Dam Project was prepared by Canadian Consultants “Montreal Engineering Company (MONENCO) during 1981-1984. WAPDA appointed M/S NEAC Consultants, a joint venture consisted of local & foreign firms, NESPAK (Lead Firm) for up-gradation of the Initial Feasibility Study. The Upgraded Feasibility Report of the Project was submitted by M/s NEAC on 31st August, 2004. International Panel of Experts declared that the Project is technically feasible.
Construction
Construction on the project is expected to start in 2009 following international competitive biddings. The project is expected to be complete by 2016. The estimated project cost is US$ 8.5 billion.
Salient Features of the Project
- Availability of about 6.4 MAF annual surface water storage of supplementing irrigation supplies during low flow periods.
- Harnessing of renewable source of clean and cheap energy through installed capacity of 4500 MW
- Once complete, the project will contribute more than 18 000 GWh/y to the national grid.
- It will be the highest roller-compacted concrete type in the world, with an estimated lifespan of 100 years, owing to its design, that prevents silting.
MAIN DAM
| Maximum Height | 272 m | 892 ft |
| Length | 939 m | 3,080 ft |
| Type | Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) | |
| DIVERSION SYSTEM | ||
| 2 No. Diversion tunnels 1 No. Diversion channel Upstream and Downstream Cofferdams | ||
| MAIN SPILLWAY | Ogee Type with Flip Bucket and Plunge Pool | |
| No. of gates | 14 | |
| Size of gates | 11.5 x 16.24 m | 37.7 x 53.3 ft |
| RESERVOIR | ||
| Gross capacity | 10.0 BCM | 8.1 MAF |
| Live capacity | 7.9 BCM | 6.4 MAF |
| Min. operation level | El. 1,060 m | 3,478 ft |
| IRRIGATION OUTLET | ||
| Type | Steel conduit | |
| Diameter | 6 ft. | 1.8 m |
| Capacity | 377 cusecs | 10.7 cumecs |
| Length | 1,490 ft. | 454 m |
| OUTLETS | ||
| Low Level / Sluicing | 2 / 5 | |
| POWERHOUSE(S) | 2 | |
| Total installed capacity | 4500 MW | |
| Location and type | Two, one each under the right and left abutment | |
| No. of units | 12 each of 375 MW | |
| Average generation | 18,000 Gwh/year | |
| ESTIMATED COST | Rs. 680 Billion | US $ 8.5 Billion |