Casecnan Multi-Purpose Hydroelectric Project
Casecnan Multi-Purpose Hydroelectric Project
Highlights:
- 150 MW Multi-Purpose Hydroelectric Project and Water Transfer Scheme
- Project Optimization
- TBM Tunnelling
- Hydrogeological Assessment
- Geotechnical mapping and rock mass classification
- Design Reviews and Construction Supervision
- Financing Feasibility Study
Client: CalEnergy Company Inc.
Location: Luzon Island, Philippines
Completion Date: 2001
Project Description: The Casecnan Project had been the subject of numerous studies during the 1980-1994 period. The original studies focused on maximizing the potential resource for power generation and diversion of water into the Pantabangan reservoir to expand an existing irrigation system. The studies also focused on a concept involving full regulation of the Casecnan River with a 190 m high dam, a 28 km power tunnel and associated powerhouse.
Knight Piésold’s Role: Knight Piésold developed an alternative concept for the overall scheme with a view to optimizing its potential and making it attractive for privately funded development. This eliminated significant concerns over flooding of several villages by converting the project into a run-of-river scheme.
As the Owner’s Engineer, Knight Piésold developed the revised concept into a 150 MW run-of-river multi-purpose hydroelectric and water transfer scheme. The project involves two run-of-river intakes, 26 km of power tunnel, and an underground powerhouse containing two vertical axis 75 MW Francis type turbine/generator units operating under a gross head of 265 m.
The scope of the project involved the following: review of excavation progress for three 6.5 m diameter TBMs; geotechnical mapping and rock mass classification; hydrogeological assessment; assessment of temporary support requirements; inspection of final tunnel support installation; and review of final lining design and construction QA/QC.
