Study stages for 10 MW remote project

A 10 MW project in a remote area must be studied in a staged way, with the study depth increased only when the results are positive, so that money is not wasted. The stages before construction are:

1. Reconnaissance (identification): Desk study with maps, satellite images and DHM data; site visit; estimate flow, head, capacity (about 10 MW), rough layout and cost. Choose a run-of-river layout with the simplest civil structures to save cost.
2. Pre-feasibility: Moderate survey, gauging for a season, geological mapping, compare 2-3 layouts and capacities, access road and the transmission link to the nearest grid or load, a rough cost (±20-25%) and benefit-cost; decide whether to continue.
3. Feasibility: Detailed survey, long-term hydrology and floods, drilling at the main structures, optimisation of installed capacity, preliminary design and equipment, cost (±10-15%), financial analysis, and IEE (1-50 MW needs IEE). Prepare for PPA and financing.
4. Licensing and agreements: Survey licence from DoED before the study (the exclusive right), then IEE approval, PPA with NEA, financial closure, and generation licence.
5. Detailed design and tender: Final drawings, specifications, bill of quantities and tender documents.
6. Pre-construction: Land acquisition, access road, camps, contractor selection.

Cost-effective measures for a remote area

• Use standard modular equipment and local materials, and keep layout simple (short waterway).
• Optimise capacity for the lowest cost per kW and consider a connection to a local mini-grid if the grid is far.
• Share the access road with the community, and use local labour.
• Phase the study so that costly drilling is done only in the feasibility stage.