Andritz to supply Xayaburi hydropower plant in Lao

Graz, Austria - ANDRITZ has received an order from CH. Karnchang (Lao) Company to supply the electromechanical equipment for the Xayaburi run-of-river hydropower station, Lao People's Democratic Republic.

The order value is about 250-300 MEUR and the order is planned to come into force during the next six months. Start-up is scheduled for the end of 2019. Andritz Hydro will deliver seven Kaplan turbines, each with an output of 175 MW, an additional Kaplan turbine with an output of 68.8 MW, generators and governors, automation systems, and additional equipment. With a nominal capacity of 1,285 MW, the Xayaburi run-of-river hydropower station will have an annual output of 7,406 GWh.

Due to the shortage or entire lack of other energy resources, Laos has focused for years on expanding hydropower in order to improve the standard of living of its population (half of the population has no electricity supply), stimulate the country's economic growth, and reduce its dependence on fossil energy resources. In collaboration with European experts, the Lao government has generally approved the project on the basis of accompanying measures addressing ecological and social aspects. In the course of the further process, the accompanying measures (for example fish ladders) will be defined in detail in cooperation with all stakeholders involved.

Source: IWR Online, 25 Oct 2012