THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUPLIC OF ETHIOPIA 
THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES BEKO-ABO MULTIPURPOSE PROJECT 
RECONNAISSANCE STUDY REPORT 
November, 2007 
NORPLAN N   Norconsult       JV 
SShebelle consuting  Eng ne ers 
In association with Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia -  Ministry  of Water Resources Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project - Reconnaissance Study 
Reconnaissance Report 
Page i 
BU 
THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF 
ETHIOPIA 
THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES 
BEKO-ABO MULTIPURPOSE PROJECT 
RECONNAISSANCE STUDY REPORT 
November, 2007 
Date of issue 
Prepared by 
06  November 2007 NORPLAN / JAR 
Reconnaissance Report-06-11-2007 doc 
NORPLAN -  NORCONSULT JV in association with Shebelle Engineering Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry    of   Water Resources Beko-Abo   Multipurpose  Project - Reconnaissance  Study 
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF   CONTENTS. 
LIST OF TABLES 
LIST OF   FIGURES. 
LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS LIST OF   DRAWINGS. 
SUMMARY. 
Reconnaissance Report Page ii 
..Il 
..I 
1 
1.1 
1.2 2 
INTRODUCTION.... Background. 
Study Objective METHODOLOGY 
2.1      Available Information. 
2.2 
2.3 
3 3.1 
Dam Site Reconnaissance   Visit. Desk Study 
2.3.1   Hydrology 
2.3.2   Dam 
2.3.3    Energy Production. 
2.3.4    Cost estimate PROJECT ASSESSMENT Brief Description of Project. 
3.1.1     Hydrology 
3.1.2    Geology. 
3.1.3    Dam and Reservoir 
3.1.4    Location of Water Ways 3.1.5    Hydropower Plant. 
3.1.6    Access to site 3.2      Energy Production 
3.3 
3.2.1    Beko-Abo project. 
3.2.2    Downstream  in    Sudan. Key  project characteristics 
3.4      Cost 
4 
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS.... 
...II 
IV 
1-1 
1-1 
1-2 
2-1 
2-1 
2-1 
2-1 
.2-1 
.2-1 
.2-2 
.2-2 
.3-1 
3-1 
.3-1 
3-1 
.3-3 
.3-4 
.3-5 
.3-5 
3-5 
.3-5 
.3-5 
3-6 
3-7 
4-1 
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NORPLAN -  NORCONSULT JV in association with Shebelle Engineering Federal Democratic Republic  of  Ethiopia - Ministry  of Water Resources Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project- Reconnaissance Study 
LIST OF TABLES 
Reconnaissance Report Page ii 
Table 3-1:  Key project characteristics of Beko-Abo MPP compared to  Karadobi MPP. Table  3-2: Cost estimate for Beko-Abo MPP,  based on comparison and scaling  of the 
Pre-feasibility study cost estimate for Karadobi MPP. 
LIST OF FIGURES 
Figure  3-1:  Profiles  of  Beko-Abo  and  Karadobi  dam  sites  generated  from  1:50,000 
3-6 
3-8 
scale maps. 
Figure  3-2:  Beko-Abo 
Values are generated based on maps of scale 1:50,000. 
Reservoir: Surface Area  and  Volume  in  function  of water level. 
Figure 3-3:   Karadobi Reservoir:  Surface Area  and Volume  in  function  of 
Values  are  generated  based  on  maps  of  scale  1:50,000.  (Pre-feasibility 
water level. 
report Karadobi). 
LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS 
3-3 
3-4 
3-4 
Photograph 3-1: 
View of right dam 
abutment, seen from  a position on approximately 
Photograph 3-2: View of left abutment, seen from dam axis x road at right abutment. 
LIST OF DRAWINGS 
downstream end of left 
dam abutment. 
3-2 
3-2 
Drawing No.  1: 
Drawing No. 2: 
Drawing No. 3: 
Location of Dam Site Beko-Abo Reservoir, plan Karadobi Reservoir, plan 
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SUMMARY 
The  Karadobi  Multipurpose Project was developed to  Pre-Feasibility              Resources level  in   a  study  carried  out  for   the  Ministry  of  Water 
(MoWR)  by the Consultant 2004-2006. The study concluded that the Karadobi was very feasible  in  an economic, a  financial as well as a technical context. 
An  implementation  of the 
project  would 
have  implied  that 
the  new 
Kessie  Bridge on  the  Debre 
Marcos  road,  under construction 
since 
beginning of 2007, 
would come approximately 70 m 
below full supply 
water level of the Karadobi  MPP. 
Upon 
request from the 
Consultant has carried out   a desk 
study 
Report of Karadobi MPP, 
Reconnaissance Study are presented in the present report. 
based on  a reconnaissance             dated September            site        2006. The findings of this 
MoWR, the 
visit and on  the Prefeasibility 
The conclusions of the desk study are: 
The dam site at Beko-Abo is 
considered suitable for 
construct 
ing 
an  approximately 
270 m high dam, 
enabling full 
exploita 
tion of 
Abo. 
available head from the level of 
Kessie Bridge to 
Beko 
The geology of the dam site and 
topographic shape of the  val 
ley 
Karadobi dam site, except for 
the  significantly  larger 
is  similr 
to the condition at 
width  of the  valley  at 
Beko-Abo.  The 
volume 
more than the volume of the   Karadobi dam. 
of 
the  dam  at 
Beko-Abo will    be   approximately 60  % 
The active volume of the 
proximately 17 %, whereas the water surface area at full sup 
reservoir could be increased by 
ap 
ply level decrease by some 7%. 
The  catchment  between  Karadobi  and  Beko-Abo    will give some 12-13% more water. 
The potential for approximately 
Karadobi due to more 
energy production will  increase by 28-30% to Beko-Abo  compared  to 
11,200  GWh/year for 
water and higher  head. 
The 
energy generation at Roseires and 
Merowe  (under  construction) 
estimated additional 
will  increase by 
approximately 
17 % due to the 17 % larger reservoir volume at 
Beko-Abo 
The  investment cost 
for    Karadobi and 
Beko-Abo  are in  the 
same  range  with 
respectively  0.258 
USD/KWh  and  0.253 
USDIKWh after 
stream benefits.  The calculations are based on  average  en 
abstraction of Beles and 
excluding the  down 
ergy production. 
Roconnaissance Report 
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Engineering Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia - Ministry  of Water Resources Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project - Reconnaissance Study 
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1 1.1 
INTRODUCTION 
Background 
The  Karadobi 
Multipurpose  Project  at Abay  River  has been devel 
oped and 
studied  to  Pre-Feasibility  level  in 
2004-2006.  The Client 
was Ministry of 
Water Development and 
the Consultant for 
the study 
was  NORPLAN-Norconsult-Lahmeyer  Joint 
with  SHEBELLE Consulting Engineers (SCE) and The Water Works 
Venture  in    association 
Design and Supervision Enterprise (\wWDSE). 
Karadobi MPP 
The 
Karadobi  Multipurpose 
Karadobi. The live storage of 
Project comprises a 250 m high dam on 
the Abay (the Blue Nile) at 
between Full Supply Level  (FSL)  1146 masl and Minimum 
the reservoir 
Operation 
Level  (MOL) 
1100  masl  is 
approximately  17,000  million  m 
corre 
sponding to 85% of the annual 
average inflow. 
The  final  pre-feasibility study  report,  dated September 2006,  draws following major conclusions: 
"The conclusion from the 
analysis carried 
out is that based on 
the parameters 
used, the Base Case is 
very feasible in both 
an economic and a 
financial context. 
project.  After inclusion of other downstream benefits such as 
"Several sensitivity tests demonstrate the 
robustness of the 
flood control and 
sediment trapping, which have 
been shown 
to be substantial, the ter." 
viability of the project will be even bet 
"The  project  will 
offer substantial 
downstream flood  control. 
Simulations  have 
shown  that  the  historic  1988  and  1998 
floods  in  Sudan (causing 
damage costing 450 MUSD)  could 
have been 
avoide d/greatly reduced substantially                 if a normal reducing the 
reservoir  op 
eration  rule  was adopted,  i.e.  not 
Kessie Bridge 
power production. 
The new Kessie Bridge on the 
Debre Markos road crossing the Abay 
river 65 km upstream of the 
propOsed 
dam  Karadobi Dam is 
presently 
under construction.  The 
level  of the 
bridge  is  approximately  1070 
masl, which is about 76 
m below the FSL for 
Karadobi MPP. 
In order to avoid any future conflict between Kardobi  MPP   develop ment and the New Kessie Bridge, the Client has asked the Consultant to evaluate the consequences of shifting the downstream.                    Karadobi dam The   to an eleva   op tional site at Beko-Abo some 100 km further 
tion  of the river bed at Beko-Abo is 
bed at Karadobi.  This would allow  for  constructing a  dam of similar 
some 120 m lower than the river 
height or slightly higher than the  Karadobi dam and 
with a FSL below 
the Kessie Bridge. 
Present Study 
The present 
report contains 
the results of 
the Consultant's  reconnais 
sance study of Beko-Abo 
MPP carried out October 
2007. 
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1.2 
Study Objective 
The objective of the  present reconnaissance study  is  to  evaluate an optional  multipurpose project by (replacing) the  Karadobi dam  with a 
dam  at 
Beko-Abo about 2 km 
upstream of the     Nkemte-  Bahar  Dar 
Road  Bridge 
parisons with  the 
crossing Abay  River.  The  evaluation  is  based on   com 
Karadobi MPP 
characteristic major parameters and 
results as descritbed and 
with    corresponding characteristic Abo MPP. 
reported  in  the  Final  Pre-Feasibility Report 
parameters identified  for  the Beko 
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2 2.1 
METHODOLOGY 
Available Information 
The study has been based on the following  existing documents: 
Karadobi  Multipurpose  Project,   Prefeasibility  Study  Report, 
NORPLAN-Norconsult-Lahmeyer JV, 
September 2006. 
Maps  scale 1:50,000 on  the river section  between Karadobi dam site and Beko-Abo dam site. 
Aerial photographs of Beko-Abo dam site area 
2.2 
Dam Site 
Reconnaissance Visit 
The Consultant visited the potential Beko-Abo dam site 13-14 Octo Dar 
ber 2007. The dam site area is  upstream of the  Nkemte-Bahar  favour 
road bridge crossing the Abay able location of the 
dam axis has been identified  to  be about 2  km 
River.  The  presumably  most 
upstream of the   bridge. 
The  road  crosses the  proposed dam  axis  on  the north  side of the above river bed level. This fa 
River at a level approximately 230 m site on the  right  embankment 
created  excellent  opportunity  for dam abutment site. 
Vourable access to  the 
potential dam 
overview  of  the  area and  the  left 
Along the river at river level,  only the left embankment was accessi 
ble, and only by foot. 
2.3 
2.3.1 
Desk Study 
Hydrology 
The hydrological conditions,  modelling and results from the Karadobi as basis  for  the 
MPP  Pre-feasibility  study  report have  been  used 
Beko-Ab0 reconnaissance study. 
However,  additional 
water from the 
well as an 
tional  amount  of  water 
Bir River and Fincha River 
to  the  Abay  River 
catchments as 
between  Karadobi  and 
estimated addi 
Beko-Abo dam sites have  been added to the water 
available for the 
Karadobi MPP. 
2.3.2 
Dam 
geological/geotechnical conditions of the 
dam site have been 
reconnaissance site 
as 
The 
sessed based on visual observations during 
the 
visit anda brief study  of the aerial photographs. 
The same concept for the 
dam construction as for the Karadobi  pro 
ject has been anticipated for 
Beko-Abo project, i.e. a gravity 
been established by a rough  es 
concrete 
dam  (RCC). The 
volume of dam has 
timate taking the 
additional width of the dam 
site determined by draw 
ing  of a profile  in 
the dam axis based on the 
1:50,000 scale topog 
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raphic  map.  The  additional  height  of  the  dam  to  achieve  maximum 
head has been included in the estimated dam volume.  Otherwise,  the 
dam,  its   layout  and  elements  have  been Karadobi dam. 
considered  similar  to  the 
2.3.3 
2.3.4 
Energy Production. 
The  applied  methodology  is  to  scale and  adjust  the  parameters and outputs given  by the Karadobi project. 
Installation  of electro- and  mechanical  equipment as well  as  calcula tion  of energy  production, have been considered  in  comparisons with the  Karadobi  project  taking  the  additional  available  water and  addi tional head into consideration. No additional  modelling or optimisation has been carried out for this reconnaissance study. 
Cost estimate 
Cost estimate  has been  prepared  by 
comparing  the  major  cost 
ele 
ments  of  the  Karadobi  MPP  with  the  respective cost 
elements of the 
Beko-Abo  and  assessment of  a  percentage change of 
costs  of  the 
various   elements. 
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3 
3.1 3.1.1 
PROJECT ASSESSMENT Brief Description of Project 
Hydrology The basis for 
Karadobi pre-feasibility  report,  and 
hydrological estimates for the  Beko-Abo project is the 
preliminary information about the 
catchment between 
Karadobi dam site and Beko-Abo  damsite. 
project, diverting water from Lake Tana to the Blue Nile construction, the hydrological 
downstream of Beko-Abo, is now under data of the new site is reduced accordingly. 
As the Beles 
The  total 
catchment between 
Karadobi  and  Beko-Abo  is   approx0 
mately  6 500  km, with 
collected  from  the  Karadobi  report 
an  estimated  mean  discharge  of 
about  80 
m'/s.  The  figures  are 
and  brief 
map studies. 
After deduction of the water to be used by the Beles project, the total mean flow at Beko-Abo site is estimated to approximately  hydrological  650 mIs fea  or some 12-14 % higher than Karadobi.  A summary of 
tures is given  in Table 3-1  in on Page 3-6 below. 
3.1.2 
Geology 
The  ground  in  the 
entire  dam 
site  area 
consists  of 
Pre-Cambrian 
rocks, 
generally of 
gneisses and 
granitic gneisses 
of various types. 
Volcanic or sedimentary 
formations were not 
observed 
visit.  Basalts  were 
in  the vicinity 
of  the  dam  site  during  the  reconnaissance elevations far above the 
ob 
served along the road to 
2000 masl. 
the dam site,  but at 
dam site at around 
the dam site. This zone 
stream of the  dam site. 
A major fault zone could be observed along the road before reaching        down 
crosses the Abay River some 3-5 km 
Other weakness 
structures are 
observed in 
the area, but none site conditions. 
of them seem to 
have serious 
impacts on the dam 
At the right dam 
abutment, 
relatively solid 
granitic 
gneiss 
lgneisses 
could be 
along  the  river. 
observed along 
several outcrops of 
the road as 
well as in the 
lower  part 
of the  slope 
The  depth  of 
weatherina 
seems to be 
moderate on the right dam abutment. 
Photograph 3-1 
below shows a 
view of the foundation area 
of the right dam 
abutment 
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Photograph 3-1:  View of right dam 
approximately downstream end of left dam abutment. 
abutment, seen from a position on 
At  the  left  dam  abutment,  the  rock  surface seems more weathered 
than  the surface of the slope at the right side of 
was  generally covered  by  boulders and  blocks. 
However, a few  out 
the  river.  The slope 
crops  could  be 
identified  along  the  river  as  well  as 
at  few  places 
higher up  in  the slope. Study of the aerial 
photographs indicates that 
the  rock  massive  at  the  left 
weakness  zones  or  structures,  except  for  the 
embankment is  solid  without  significant 
Photograph 3-2 below shows a view of the foundation area of dam abutment. 
surface  weathering. 
the  left 
Photograph 3-2: View of left abutment, seen from dam axis x road at right abutment. 
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3.1.3 
Dam and Resevoir 
The  location  of the  dam  site  is  shown  on  Drawing  No.  1.  The  cross section  of the dam site at Beko-Abo is prepared from  maps with scale 
1:50 000, see Figqure 3-1  below. 
134 
220 
1120 1980 1040 1900 
ó 950 20 
Keradst 
Aes Taen Fren The M 
B80 
84 
800 
760 
Beko Abo Axis   Taken  from  The  Map 
900 
100 
200 
300 
400        500          600         700         900         S00 
1000        1100         1200       1300 
BEKO ABO & KARADOBI DAM SITEs PROFILES OF 
DOWNSTREAM VIEW 
Fiqure 3-1: Profiles  of    Beko-Abo and Karadobi dam sites generated from  1:50,000 scale maps. 
The profile 
shows that the Beko-Abo dam  will  be 
bigger than the one 
at  Karadobi 
Based  on  the  profile,  expecting  that  a  RCC  dam 
because of the significantly wider 
valley at the dam  site. 
would  be   con 
structed,  the  total 
dam  volume  would  increase  from  6.5  mill. 
m at 
Karadobi to  10.5 mill.  m at 
Beko-Abo. 
The  river bed  at  Beko-Abo  is 
around  el.  790-795.  The  further  down 
stream located Manday Project is 
proposed with a FSL around 800 m 
asl. The new bridge at Kessie is 
reported to be above el. 
1065. Based 
on this the highest regulated water level is set to 
head of approximately 270 m for the project. This is about 35 m more 
1065, giving a gross 
than the proposed Karadobi project. 
In  this 
reconnaissance study  it   is  aimed at 
maintaining a regulation 
degree similar to the 
control and relative energy output as of the Karadobi 
Karadobi project, 94%, 
achieving the same flood 
project. 
reservoir  volume 
should  hence  be  20  000  mill.     m 
which    will be 
The  required 
the reservoir to approximately elevation 
achieved by setting the 
lowest operation water level of 
1015 masl. The surface area 
and  the  volume  of the 
reservoir for Beko-Abo,  generated  by  plani 
metry of 
contours of the 
1:50,000 scale topographic  maps are  pre 
sented  in   Figure  3-2 
below.  The  comparable  Karadobi 
Reservoir 
characteristics is given in 
Figure 3-3 below 
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Reservoir Volume  (Mm 
50 000       45 000      40 000       15 000 
1 100 
HRWL 080 
1 060 1 040 Elevation              as)    [m 
1020 000 
BEKO-ABO MPP- RESERVOR 
25 O0O          20 000 
15 000 
E 
960 
940 
920 
900 
880 
860 
840 
820 
800 
700 
760 
Resevcir  Aret 
Rseror Vokme 
450            500 
100 
150 
200 
250 
00 
400 
Area (km) 
Figure 3-2: Beko-Abo  Rese rvoir: Surface Area and Volume in function of water level.  Values are generated based on maps of scale 
1:50,000. 
KARADOBI RESERVOIR 
50  000   45  000     40 000    35  000     30  000   25.000   20 000 1180 
1160 1140 
asi)     (m    Elevatlon 
Volume (Mm') 
15  000   10 000    5000 
1120 1100 1080 1060 1040 1020 1000 
980 960 940 920 
-Reservoir Areà 
-Reservoir Volume 
0 
50 
100 
150 
200 
250 
300 
350 
400 
450        500 
Area (km') 
Figure 3-3: 
Karadobi Reservoir: Surface Area 
and Volume in function 
of water level.  Values are generated based on 
maps of scale 
1:50,000. (Pre-feasibility report Karadobi) 
3.1.4 
Location of Water Ways 
the condition on The geological conditions seem generally similar to that the layout of the  Karadobi MPP site. The Consultant considers tunnels and  coffer 
water  ways, 
dams will generaly be similar to 
location  of 
power  house,  diversion 
the Karadobi site. 
Whether the loca 
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tion  of  the  water ways  and  power  house complex  will  be  located  on 
the  right  or  left side of the  river,  should  be  decided  based on  results 
from  geological  mapping  and  geotechnical  site  investigations.  The 
Conditions  are  suitable  to  locate  the 
side of the power house complex, similar to the Karadobi layout. 
diversion  tunnel  on  the opposite 
3.1.5 
Hydropower           The Hydropower       Plant plant is expected to be underground and to have an 
overall layout as the  Karadobi site. 
Due  to  the increased flow  and 
head  the  total 
MW, from 8 units with a discharge capacity of 
installed  capacity  will  be  increased  to  around  2100 
size and cost of the units will increase,  but not linear to the installed 
112.5 m'/s each.  The 
3.1.6 
capacity. 
Access to site. 
The access  the site is 
more favourable 
at Beko-Abo 
compared to 
dam axis, and crosses Energy Production Beko-Abo project 
Karadobi because of the 
the river just downstream of the dam 
Nkemte-Bahar Dar main  road  crosses 
the 
site. 
3.2 3.2.1 
The catchment 
between Karadobi dam site and BekO-Abo adds some 
12-13% more water to 
the Beko-Abo site. Further, 
based on 1:50,000 
Scale maps the gross 
head 
will be about 35 m larger, 
increase.  Totally  an 
increased  energy 
potential of 
the Beko-Abo site 
about 28-30%  is 
ie about 15% 
estimated. The 
energy generation of 
will then reach  11  200 GWhlyear. 
mean annual 
3.2.2 
Downstream in Sudan 
The increased capacity of the reservoir  will result 
in  better 
regulation 
for the existing and planned hydropower 
projects in  Sudan, of 
which 
the existing Roseires 
important.  In the Karadobi study the additional         GWhlyear.     energy   At Beko-Abo it is 
and Merowe (under 
construction) are the most 
generation of 
the two 
estimated to increase to 
projects is 
calculated to be 1 261 
about 1 480 GWh/year, due to the 17 % lar 
ger reservoir volume. 
For 
all existing 
and planned 
projects, the total additional energy gen 
eration may 
increase from 
2.6 TWhlyear to 3 
TWh/y. 
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3.3 
Key project characteristics 
The  key 
Karadobi  project is presented  in  Table  3-1 below.  The  Karadobi data 
characteristics  of  the  Beko  Abo   project  compared  to   the 
is kopied from the Pre-feasibility report 
Table 3-1: Key project characteristics of Beko-Abo MPP compared to Karadobi MPP. 
Karadobi 
Power and Energy  1600 
Total rated output from 8 units 
Mean annual energy generation, without Beles Mean annual energy generation,  with  Beles diversion Plant factor 
Design discharge, total  for 8 units 
Maximum gross head 
Minimum gross head 
transmission line to Roseires 
9708 
8634 
0.67 
800 
236 
185 
Beko-Abo 
2 100 
12  600 
11 200 
0.67 
900 
270 
220 
Unit MW GWh GWh 
m'ls 
Voltage and type of                                                                                      420 
500 kV AC 
| 
Length of 
transmission line to Roseires 
Downstream energy 
Downstream energy generation, existing and planned projects, Sudan 
Hydrologic Data 
Abay river catchment ex, Lake Tana 
Mean river flow at dam site 
Mean river flow at dam site, less Beles abstraction, Annual mean peak flood 
20-year flood 100-year flood 1000-year flood PMF 
Reservoir 
generation, Roseires/Merowe 
Full Supply 
Total volume at FSL 
Active reservoir volume 
Surface at FSL 
Extension of reservoir towards upstream 
Minimum Operation Level (MOL) 
Dam 
Type of dam 
Dam crest elevation 
480 
1 261 
2 606 
66 910 
649 572 
4 500 11 900 15 500 20 710 30 000 
1146 1100 
40 200 17 000 
445 150 
1150.0 
1 590 
3 060 
73 500 
726 650 
Level (FSL) 
Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) gravity dam 
1065 1015 
37 500 20 000 
420 150 
1070 
km 
GWh GWh 
km mls ms 
m'/s 
m°/s 
m/s 
m'is 
m'/s 
masl masl 
million  m million  m 
km² km 
masl 
Maximum height of dam Crest length of dam Dam volume 
above foundation 
260 
684 
6.5 
285 
880 
10.5 
m 
million 
m 
Reconnaissance Report-06-11-2007.doc 
NORPLAN - in association with 
NORCONSULT JV Shebelle Engineering Beko-Abo Multipurpose  Project -
Federal  Democratic Republic of 
Ethiopia - Ministry of Water Resources 
Reconnaissance Study 
3.4 
Cost 
The cost estimates are based on the cost 
Reconnaissance  Page    Report    3-7 
estimates presented for the 
Karadobi  1600  MVW project. The 
major change from Karadobi will be 
the 60 % larger volume of the 
increase  in   the  tunnels  and  power station arrangements  due  to  the 
dam.  Furthermore, there will be a cost 
higher turbine discharge and 
slightly higher head. 
The  access to  Beko-Abo 
simple, since the 
Consequently, the costs 
main road crosses the 
Blue  Nile  just downstream  of 
the  dam site. 
for 
access  road  could  be  considerably 
reduced  compared  to  the 
Karadobi project. 
Kessie is not relevant for the 
Further the cost of construction of a new bridge at 
considered option. 
NORPLAN -
NORCONSULT JV 
Reconnassance Report-06-11-2007.doc 
in association with Shebelle 
Engineering Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia - Ministry of Water Resources Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project - Reconnaissance Study 
Reconnaissance Report Page 3-8 
Table 3-2: Cost estimate for Beko-Abo MPP,  based on comparison and scaling of the Pre-feasibility study cost estimate for Karadobi MPP. 
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION Environmental mitigations 
Contingencies 10% 
Sub-Total Environmental Costs INFRASTRUCTURE 
Operators camp 
Access roads/Road realignment Contingencies 10% 
Sub-Total Infrastructure 
RESERVOIR 
Clearing light vegetation 
New Kessie Bridge accross Abbay  River Sub Total Reservoir 
CIVIL  WORKS  DAM AND  POWERPLANT Preliminaries and general are included  in  unit rates 
Diversion works 
Dam and spillway 
Power Intakes 
Headrace tunnels 
Penstock and manifolds 
Draft tubes and surge tanks 
Tailrace tunnel and outlet 
Access tunnel and portal building Powerhouse 
Transformer hall and cable shaft Switchyard and control building Contingencies 15% 
Sub-Total Civil Works 
MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL WORKS Hydraulic Steelwork 
Mechanical Works 
Electrical Works 
Contingencies 5% 
Sub-Total Electrical and Mechanical TRANSMISSION SYSTEM Transmission line 
Sub-stations 
Contingencies 10% 
Sub-Total Transmission System Engineering and supervision 10% Owners Administration 4% TOTAL PROJECT COST 
Karadobi 1600 MVW 
Total Cost MUSD 
54.0 59.4 
10.0 57.2 
6. 73.9 
23.5 35.8 59.3 
Adjustment 
2% 
0% -80% 
0% -100% 
Beko-Abo 2100 MVW Total Cost 
MUSD 55.1 5.5 60.6 
10.0 
11.4 2.1 
13.9 
23.5 
00 
27.4 
26. 722. 
32.4 21.9 12. 14.4 42.3 
4.4 411 
14.5 
5.3 
140.6 
1 077.90 
77.2 
94.1 
183.8 
17.8 
372.8 
193.4 
92 4 
28.6 
314.4 195.8 
78.3 2231.8 
15% 60% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 
0% 
20% 
20% 
20% 
0% 
10% 
27% 
30.0 
1155.2 
37.3 
25.2 
14.7 
166 
48.6 
51 
473 16.7 
6.1 210.4 
1613.1 
92.6 
1129 
220.6 213 
447.4 
1934 101.6 
295 324.5 249.0 
99.6 2838.4 
NORPLAN -
NORCONSULT JV 
Reconnaissance Report-06-11-2007 doc 
in association with 
Shebelle Engineering Federal  Democratic Republic  of Ethiopia - Ministry  of Water Resources Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project - Reconnaissance Study 
Reconnaissance Report Page  3-8 
Table 3-2: Cost estimate for Beko-Abo MPP, based on comparison and scaling of the Pre-feasiblity study cost estimate for Karadobi MPP. 
Karadobi 
1600 MW 
Total Cost 
MUSD 
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION Environmental  mitigations Contingencies 10% 
Sub-Total Environmental Costs INFRASTRUCTURE 
Operators camp 
Access roads/Road realignment Contingencies 10% 
Sub-Total Infrastructure 
RESERVOIR 
Clearing  light vegetation 
New Kessie Bridge accross Abbay River Sub Total Reservoir 
54.0 
5.4 
59.4 
10.0 
57.2 
6.7 
73.9 
23.5 35.8 59.3 
Adjustment 
2% 
Beko-Abo 
2100 MW 
Total Cost 
MUSD 
0% -80% 
0% -100% 
55.1 
5.5 
60.6 
10.0 11.4 
2.1 13.9 23.5 27.4 
CIVIL  WORKS  DAM  AND 
POWERPLANT 
Preliminaries and general are rates 
Diversion works 
Dam and spillway 
Power Intakes 
Headrace tunnels 
Penstock and manifolds Draft tubes and surge tanks Tailrace tunnel and outlet 
included  in  unit 
Access tunnel and portal bulding Powerhouse 
Transformer hall and cable shaft Switchyard and control building Contingencies 15% 
Sub-Total Civil Works 
ELECTRICAL WORKS MECHANICAL & 
Hydraulic Steelwork 
Mechanical Works 
Electrical Works 
Contingencies 5% 
Sub-Total Electrical and Mechanical TRANSMISSION SYSTEM Transmission line 
Sub-stations 
Contingencies 10% 
Sub-Total Transmission System supervision 10% 
Engineering and Owners Administration 4% TOTAL PROJECT COST 
26.1 
722.0 
32.4 
21.9 
12.8 14.4 42.3 
4 
41.1 
14.5 
5.3 
140.6 
1077.90 
77.2 
94.1 
183.8 
17.8 
372.8 
193.4 
92.4 
28.6 
314.4 195.8 
78.3 2231.8 
15% 60% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 
0% 
20% 
20% 
20% 
0% 
10% 
27% 
30.0 
1155.2 
37.3 
25.2 14.7 
166 
486 
51 
47.3 16.7 
6.1 210.4 
1613.1 
926 
112.9 220.6 
21.3 447.4 
1934 
101.6 29.5 
324.5 249.0 
99.6 2838.4 
NORPLAN -
NORCONSULT JV 
Reconnaissance Report-06-11-2007.doc 
in association with Shebelle 
Engineering Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia - Ministry of Water Resources Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project - Reconnaissance Study 
Reconnaissance Report Page 4-1 
4 
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 
The  inundated  area  due  to  the 
less for  Beko-Ab0, some 420  km 
reservoir  is  estimated  to  be  slightly 
The  reservoir for  Beko-Abo  is shown 
compared  to 450  km   for Karadobi. 
area for Karadobi is shown on  Drawing  No.  3. 
At  Karadobi, there were  no  direct resettlement of population,  but  the 
on  Drawing  No.  2.The reservoir 
lower flatter  portions  along  the  river are  used  for 
the  Beko-Abo  reservoir. 
seasonal cropping. 
The  same  characteristics  are  expected  for   below  the  FSL  at  some 
However,  there  may  be  some  people  living 
flatter portions between the  Karadobi and  Beko-Abo dam sites. 
It   has  not  been  possible  to  make  any 
research  or  thorough  study  on 
environmental issues within  the time  and 
present  reconnaissance  study.   However,  the  Consultant  has   ex 
resources available for the 
tracted  some  information  and   statements  from   the  following   two 
available reports: 
Pre-Feasibility  Study  of 
Environmental  Impact Assessment,  July 
Mandaya  HPP, 
Ethiopia.  Draft  Initial 
Scott  Wilson   in   association   with   EPSC   (Egypt),   Tropics 
2007.  Prepared by: 
daya Report") 
Pre-Feasibility Study  of 
(Ethiopia) and  YAM  (Sudan). (Hereafter referred to as "Man 
Karadobi MPP, 
Final  Report,  Vol  5 -
Initial  Environmental 
Norplan,  Norconsult,  Lahmeyer  in  association  with 
Assessment,  Sept 
2006.  Prepared  by: 
Consulting Engineers and       WDSE.   (Hereafter referred to as 
Shebelle 
"Karadobi Report") 
The  conditions  described  in  these to  reports  are considered  to  be the extracts 
generally 
relevant also for the Beko-Abo 
project,  and  in 
below names and size of areas have 
been changed as 
appropriate. 
From the Mandaya  Report: 
The biological 
better for fish.  It is a 
restrial and   aquatic ecology  is  generally  poor or  very  poor, of  culti 
database of the Mandaya project area 
in terms of  ter though 
vast wooded area with  very small areas 
vation and has never 
attracted sustained detailed 
field studies. 
Com 
munications within the area are 
rudimentary, making surveys  difficult. 
As  Ethiopia  is 
endowed  with  rich  floral  and  faunal   resources,  African 
and 
possesses 
some of the 
richest endemic 
fauna and flora in the 
continent, 
resulting from 
the immense topographic 
and climatic 
diver 
sity in the 
country, 
detailed surveys of the 
project over a 
considerable period 
it may be expected  of time      that that    Would produce impressive 
lists of plant and 
animal  species. 
The 
Beko-Abo 
dam site and 
reservoir area 
is 420 
km, information 
about the wildlife 
habitat and 
wildlife of this 
area is scanty, 
and  it is 
understood to be a 
part of the 84% of 
protected areas in 
Ethiopia that 
are unmanaged. The population is 
principally engaged in 
cultivation, 
Reconnaissance Report-rev 09-11-2007 doc 
NORPLAN - in association with 
NORCONSULT JV Shebelle Engineering Eederal Democratic Republic of 
Ethiopia 
Ministry  of Water Resources 
Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project -
Reconnaissance Study 
Reconnaissance Report Page 4-2 
with  some livestock.  Other activities relate  to  those typical  of  rural  ar eas  -non-timber   woodland products, trading,  etc. 
The  population  of 
the  project-affected area 
in   Amhara  and  Oromiay 
regions comprises 
mainly  the Amhara group 
and communities south 
of the river 
mainly belong to the Oromo group. 
From the Karadobi Report: 
The population density is low and the people are among the poorest 
in  Ethiopia.  Household cash incomes are 
very  low.  Households  de 
pend 
heavily  on  home-produced  food,  fuel  and 
building    materials. 
The average 
annual cash 
income was 795 birr per 
person in the year 
2000. The economy is 
dominated by 
subsistence agriculture. Sesame 
is  the main cash crop in  the project area. It 
ground, throughout the hot dry tropics, and can   Here it  is  grown  on  the 
grows well on disturbed be cultivated on poor 
dry  soil  incapable of producing  food-crops.           and  on  the valley  floor.  Cattle, 
lower  terraces of 
sheep and goats 
are normally 
the  River  valley 
kept in 
small  herds and 
flocks.  For 
most  of the 
year,  they 
are grazed  or are 
stall-fed  near the   settle 
ments. After 
seasonal rains, 
cattle are driven down to the Abbay  val 
ley floor to graze. Herds are 
amalgamated to 
tion  limits the extents to  which  small 
stock are grazed in  the lowest 
facilitate driving.   Preda 
parts of the valley. 
On the terrestrial 
ecology 
side, a total of 42, 000 ha of land will  be in 
undated  in  the  DIZ. 
This  provides  habitat          species for  have   a 
variety of birds,  rep 
tiles,  and 
mammals.  However,  no 
been identified  that 
are endemic to 
the DIZ or are at risk if this habitat is lost. 
Similarly, no 
rare or endemic 
plant 
reduced annual flood peak mnay 
species have been 
identified from the 
reservoir 
area. In the SIZ a 
impact on the area 
of wetlands maintained. 
On  the 
aquatic 
ecology side, 
the  Beko-Abo 
dam  will 
constitute  a 
complete 
barrier  to  fish 
migration  both 
upstream and 
downstream. 
However,  from  what is considered               known of serious. It is unlikely that there the 
the fish 
fauna in  the Abbay at 
this 
will 
time this impact is not 
be  any threat to aquatic 
biodiversity with  the 
implementation of 
scheme,  though 
previously 
unrecorded  fish  species  may 
exist  in 
springs and smaller composition in the reservoir as fish 
side tributaries to  the 
reservoir.  There will  be a 
more adapted 
change in species      establish themselves, this may have some 
advantages 
to  still waters 
Socio-economically if a reservoir fishery 
OveralI,  at this stage there are no identified  biodiversity associated 
is developed. 
critical  negative issues 
concerning terrestrial or aquatic ecology and 
with project implementation. 
In 
project 
order to mitigate/compensate for any negative aspects surrounding                  programme 
implementation  a 
comprehensive management 
include at 
least: 
Would need to be 
introduced. This 
would have to 
An 
environmental flow 
requirement (EFR) 
to safeguard  ecol 
ogy, economy 
and  livelihoods 
downstream 
NORPLAN -
NORCONSULT JV 
Reconnaissance Report-rev 09-11-2007 doc 
in association with 
Shebelle Engineering Eederal  Democratic Republic  of 
Ethiopia -  Ministry of Water Resources 
Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project -
Reconnaissance Study 
Reconnaissance Report Page 4-3 
A livelihood  safeguard programme for the  DIZ  that may  have maintain income 
to involve resettlement of people who can not or sufficient means of production  in  situ. 
A comprehensive 
environmental management plan (EMP)  to 
govern the  development. From the Mandaya Report: 
The areas of 
downstream impact in 
Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt in fu 
ture,  owing  to the (Beko-Abo) project's 
reservoir first  filling and then 
regulating flows and storing sediment, 
are hydraulic, hydrological and 
morphological, 
and relate to the  principally            uses made    hydropower,             of             irrigation, water 
the lower Abbay, Blue 
Nile and Main  Nile. These are 
supply,  fisheries, river 
communication facilities 
and flood  recession 
agriculture as far 
north as 
Lake Nasser/Nubia 
where flows of the Main 
Nile are stored behind 
High Aswan Dam. Apart 
from the many   bene 
fits of the Nile in this desert reach, 
periodic flooding causes major dis 
ruptions  to  community 
and farming 
activities  and much  damage to 
properties and 
the  Ethiopian  Highlands  produce  low  Nile 
infrastructure, whilst 
seasons of poor rainy seasons in 
discharges,  low  power 
generation, 
reductions 
in  commanded 
irrigation areas, 
reduced   pro 
duction  from 
flood  recession agriculture and 
food security crises 
particularly in Nile and Northern states. 
Impacts of the 
Beko-Abo project in 
Sudan are expected to  be very 
beneficial for 
hydropower, irrigation, water 
supply, fisheries and 
flood 
relief.  The  holding back of sediment will Sennar         improve and  Merowe   hydro 
operations and re 
duce 
maintenance costs 
at  Roseires, 
power 
projects, at gravity fed 
treatment works. The 
and pumped 
irrigation schemes and at 
water supply off takes and 
large 
augmentation 
of dry 
season flows 
will also 
benefit Roseires, 
Sennar and 
Merowe 
hydropower 
projects, 
irrigation 
schemes and 
water supplies.    Cur 
rently, these 
facilities suffer 
from 
sedimentation and 
some of them are 
restricted by 
availability of flows 
in  the dry 
season. The raising 
of dry 
season flows, 
modes of operation in the Sudan 
and  reduction 
in   sediment 
hydropower cascade (conjunctive 
loads,  resulting  in  new 
use), will  increase energy generation 
and is expected to improve res 
ervoir fisheries. Downstream of High Aswan 
Dam in 
Egypt, which 
became operational 
some 40 years 
ago, 
flows of 
the Nile are 
completely regulated. These 
generally made Egypt secure 
in  water 
extreme floods and 
and food 
supply over 
have 
these years 
and the 
acute problems of 
extreme 
low flows, 
described for 
Sudan above, a 
distant memory. 
NORPLAN -
NORCONSULT JV 
Reconnaissance Report-rey 09-11-2007.doc 
in association with Shebelle 
Engineering u 
PRWIC 
J. 
IOSNE 
HIH-AD) 
TUI 
E 
Cy 
87VY DAM 
A Dam 
310 
MIPP        BEC)-A80 
kICOOSANCI  LOAION  OF 
000   N1137 
N1138         00  0 N113900 o 
00   0 N114 0 
100   0 N114 
200 0 N114 
28500 0            28500 
2840     00 
28300 2681 
INNORPLAN                     Norconsult                A.s 
N  1180000 
1170000 
N 
1160000 
1150000 
140000 N 
1190000               1120000 
1110000 
1100000                1090000              1080000 
N 
N 
N 
N 
N GOHA      TSION HOSE 
N 
N 
PLAN          RESERVOIR                     OF MPP       BEKO-AB0 
NOPRA 
DEJEN 
WEJEL 
UMAME 
KOAK 
BETENIUS 
CHEMDA 
YEJJBE 
MARKOS$ DEBRE 
KARADOB 
KEWO 
0000YE 3 
BEKO-ABIO                    DAM        SsITE 
1090000| 
1070000            M 
1170000 
1150000 N 
1140000 N 
1130000 N 
N  1120000 
1t10000 N 
100000 
N 
1080000 
N 
1060000 M 
N 
1160000 N SHOWN             S 
2681 
71 
ULLrUTOST                    PROECE 
RSOUROS 
Norconsult 
ED-AB 
6 
WATTR    MPP   PLAN         RESERVoIR                    OF 
THE 
OP 
OT  UDY 
A.S 
KARADOBI 
NORPLAN 
MNTYRY            BCOHOASANCE 
N1150000 
N1130000 
1120000 N 
N1110000 
N1100000 
N1190000 
N1180000 
N1170000 
1160000 N 
1140000 N 
1090000 N 
I\I 
aUNDO      MESKEL 
E4700o 
sENKA 
BALAYSH 
CHEKA       GENET 
DiFERSA 
SELELKULA 
E ASO000 
E4on00 
KUTTVAT 
MERGLCH 
43000 
WIHA TED 
UPAGEO 
GOHA      TSION 
CaCYA 
MLGER 
E 42000 
HOSE 
E41000 
HOPRA 
DEJEN 
40000 
WEJEL 
LUMAME 
E 390001 
E 380000 
KACHIS0 
BETENICUs 
E 37000 
YEJUBL 
HAMUSrT 
36000 
MARKOE DEBRE 
DAM        SITE       KARADIOBL 
E350000 
m  NT190000 
N1100000 
1060D00             N 
N1110000 
N  1090000 
N1140000 
N1130000 
N1120000 
1976009 
N 
N1180000 
N1170000 
1150000 N 
N1150000

Summery

Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project Summary

Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project - Reconnaissance Study Summary

Project Overview

The Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project is a proposed hydropower and water resource development on the Abay River (Blue Nile) in Ethiopia. This reconnaissance study evaluates the project as an alternative to the previously planned Karadobi Multipurpose Project.

Key Findings

Location: About 2 km upstream of the Nkemte-Bahar Dar Road Bridge crossing the Abay River
Purpose: Avoid conflict with the new Kessie Bridge (under construction) that would have been submerged by the Karadobi project
Dam Height: Approximately 270m high Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) gravity dam
Reservoir: Full Supply Level at 1065 masl with active storage of 20,000 million m³
Power Generation: Estimated 2,100 MW installed capacity producing 11,200 GWh/year
Cost Estimate: Approximately $2.84 billion USD

Comparison with Karadobi Project

Parameter	Karadobi	Beko-Abo	Difference
Dam Height	250m	270m	+20m
Installed Capacity	1,600 MW	2,100 MW	+31%
Annual Energy Generation	8,634 GWh	11,200 GWh	+30%
Reservoir Surface Area	445 km²	420 km²	-6%
Active Storage Volume	17,000 million m³	20,000 million m³	+18%
Dam Volume	6.5 million m³	10.5 million m³	+62%

Project Benefits

Higher energy production potential (28-30% more than Karadobi)
Better access to site via existing road infrastructure
Avoids submergence of the new Kessie Bridge
Provides downstream benefits including flood control and sediment trapping
Improves regulation for existing hydropower projects in Sudan

Environmental Considerations

The study notes that while detailed environmental surveys were not conducted, some key observations include:

Reservoir area of 420 km² (smaller than Karadobi's 445 km²)
Low population density in affected area with mostly seasonal cropping
Potential impacts on fish migration but no critical biodiversity concerns identified
Significant downstream benefits for Sudan including reduced sedimentation and improved dry season flows

Conclusion

The Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project appears technically feasible and offers several advantages over the Karadobi project, particularly in terms of energy production potential and infrastructure compatibility. The cost per kWh is comparable (0.253 USD/kWh for Beko-Abo vs 0.258 USD/kWh for Karadobi). Further detailed studies would be needed to confirm the preliminary findings of this reconnaissance report.