Karcham-Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project (KWHEP)
1000 MW run-of-river power on the Satluj
The project utilizes the flowing energy of the Satluj River in Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh) to generate electricity. A 98 m high diversion dam, desilters, a 17.2 km long headrace tunnel and an underground powerhouse in Wangtoo are planned. The plant will feed into the North Indian power grid. Construction began on November 18, 2005 and power generation is scheduled to start in 2011.
Project goals
The project is intended to alleviate the electricity shortage in the northern region and provide 1000 MW of peak power all year round. It generates 4463.88 GWh per year (90% reliably) from hydropower and displaces fossil generation in the grid. This avoids greenhouse gas emissions and improves security of supply.
Technical details
| Technologie | Verfahren | Besonderheiten |
|---|---|---|
| Turbinen/Generatoren | Francis-Turbinen | 4 × 255 MW; Generatoren 277,70 MVA; 214,30 rpm; Hersteller Andritz VA Tech Hydro |
| Damm | Beton-Schwergewicht | 98 m hoch; Kronenlänge 177,8 m; 6 Wehrfelder (Tore 9 m × 9,25 m) |
| Entsander | 4 Kammern | je 505 m × 16 m × 28 m; Abscheidung > 0,2 mm |
| Headrace-Tunnel | 10,48 m Durchmesser | 17,2 km; Gefälle 1:150 |
| Surge Shaft | Restriktionsschacht | Ø 16 m bis EL 1755 m; Ø 27 m bis EL 1852 m |
| Druckleitungen | 4 Stahlrohre | Ø 4,75 m; je 290,5 m; Butterfly‑Ventile Ø 4,75 m |
| Tailrace-Tunnel | 10,48 m Durchmesser | 909 m; Rückgabe in den Satluj |
| Hydraulik | Betriebsdaten | Bruttofallhöhe 298,73 m; Nettofallhöhe 275,93 m bei 417 m³/s |
| Reservoir | Fläche/Leistungsdichte | 588.400 m²; 1699,52 W/m² (PEy = 0 gemäß Methodik) |
| Netz | Einspeisung | Nordregion (NEWNE); ganzjährig 1000 MW Peaking |
Economic and social benefits
- 1
Secure supply
The project relieves a region with documented energy and peak load bottlenecks. It supplies reliable energy and 1000 MW of peak power all year round.
- 2
Create jobs
During construction and operation, jobs are created for local skilled and unskilled workers. Additional jobs are created in operation, maintenance and administration.
- 3
Education & Health
Plans include a 10+2 school, an industrial training institute and a 40-bed hospital. These facilities will strengthen the local social infrastructure.
- 4
Improve infrastructure
Roads and bridges in difficult terrain are being extended or renewed. This facilitates transportation and access to the mountain region.
- 5
Regional orders
Consultants, suppliers and construction companies from the region benefit from additional orders during the construction and equipment phases.
- 6
Environmental management
The plans include reforestation and erosion control (catchment area treatment), fishing measures and regulated muck and landfill concepts.
- 7
Security systems
An early warning system (including VSAT stations) and a disaster prevention plan including equipment are part of the package of measures.
Global climate significance
Emission reduction
Expected emission reductions totaling 35,419,166 tCO2e over 10 years. Basis: combined emission factor 0.8031 tCO2/MWh and grid feed-in from hydropower.
Fossil replacement:
The electricity displaces fossil fuel-generated grid energy in the northern region and thus avoids CO₂ and accompanying substances such as SOx, NOx and dust.
Zero emissions
Due to the high power density of the small reservoir (1699.52 W/m²), there are no emissions on the project side (PEy = 0 according to ACM0002).
Network contribution
1000 MW peak output stabilizes the system during peak loads and reduces the need for additional fossil peak load capacities.
Conclusion
Large run-of-river power in the Himalayas - with a clear role for supply and climate. The combination of underground powerhouse, long supply line and environmental measures is tailored to the topography and the region. The result is reliable power with low project-specific emissions.