Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project Pre-Feasibility Study Summary
Project Overview
The Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project is a major hydropower and water resource development initiative in Ethiopia, located on the Blue Nile River. The pre-feasibility study was conducted by NORPLAN, NORCONSULT, and associated firms for the Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy, with final reports completed in May 2013.
Key Components
Dam Site and Type Selection (Annex 3F)
- Three potential dam sites were evaluated near Beko-Abo Bridge
- Recommended dam types considered: RCC gravity dam, arch dam, central core rockfill dam, and asphaltic core rockfill dam
- Cost comparison showed RCC gravity dam as most economical option
- Design flood: 24,000 m³/s; PMF: 35,000 m³/s
- Estimated dam height: ~270m
Power System and Transmission (Annex 3G)
- Planned installed capacity: 2,080 MW
- Primary export market: Sudan and Egypt via 500kV transmission lines
- Transmission options evaluated between 400kV and 500kV systems
- Key transmission routes: Beko-Abo to Mandaya (200km) and Debre Markos (60km)
- Voltage control requirements and stability analyses included
Surveying and Mapping (Annex 3H)
- Comprehensive ground control points established (14 GCPs)
- River cross-profile surveys conducted at five parallel axes
- Water surface profile surveys covered 3km upstream and 2km downstream
- Survey data used for dam axis selection and topographic mapping
Project Structure
| Volume | Content |
|---|---|
| Volume 1 | Main Report with Executive Summary |
| Volume 2 | Project Drawings (General, Civil works, Equipment, etc.) |
| Volume 3 | Supporting Documents (13 technical annexes) |
| Volume 4 | Initial Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment |
Key Findings
- Recommended dam site is near Beko-Abo Bridge (Option 2 from reconnaissance study)
- RCC gravity dam identified as most cost-effective option
- 500kV transmission system recommended for power export to Sudan
- Project requires significant transmission infrastructure development
- Comprehensive surveying and mapping completed to support feasibility assessments
Next Steps
The pre-feasibility study provides the technical foundation for proceeding to full feasibility studies, which would include more detailed investigations of:
- Geotechnical conditions
- Final dam design
- Detailed transmission system planning
- Environmental and social impact assessments
- Economic and financial analyses