Broadlands Dam

06°58′44″N 80°27′16″E / 6.97889°N 80.45444°E / 6.97889; 80.45444PurposePowerStatusUnder constructionConstruction began17 July 2013 (2013-07-17)Opening date2020Construction costUS$82 millionDam and spillwaysType of damGravity damImpoundsMaskeliya OyaHeight (thalweg)24 m (79 ft)Length114 m (374 ft)ReservoirTotal capacity198,000 m³ (7,000,000 cu ft)Catchment area201 km² (78 sq mi)Normal elevation122 m (400 ft)Coordinates06°59′01″N 80°25′34″E / 6.98361°N 80.42611°E / 6.98361; 80.42611Operator(s)CEBTurbines2 x 17.5 MWInstalled capacity35 MWAnnual generation126 GWhWebsite
http://www.bhpceb.lk/

The Broadlands Dam (also known as the Broadlands Hydropower Project by the developers) is a 35 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric complex currently under construction in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka. The project is expected to be completed in 2020, and will consist of two dams, and a power station downstream.^[1][2]

With an estimated annual generation capacity of 126 GWh, the facility will be the country's last major hydroelectric project, due to the exhaustion of island-wide hydropower potential. Construction of the project was ceremonially inaugurated by the Minister of Power and Energy Mrs. Pavithra Wanniarachchi at the auspicious time of 11:01 on 17 July 2013.^[3][4]

Approximately 85% of the US$82 million project funding was met via credit arrangements made with the Chinese government, with the rest borne via a loan from the local Hatton National Bank.^[5][6][7] The construction contract of the project was granted to the China National Electric Equipment Corporation (CNEEC).^[8]

Dams and reservoirs

The primary gravity dam measuring 24 m (79 ft) in height and 114 m (374 ft) in length is being constructed across the Maskeliya Oya at Kitulgala, and will supply water to the power station via a 3,404.7 m (11,170.3 ft) penstock measuring 5.4 m (17.7 ft) in diameter.^[9]

A secondary gravity weir, measuring 19 m (62 ft) and 48 m (157 ft) in height and length, is also to be built in the vicinity, over the nearby Kehelgamu Oya, to provide additional hydroelectric capacity. The weir, to be called the Kehelgamu Weir, will create a catchment area of 176 km² (68 sq mi), and will provide additional head to the penstock of the main dam via a 811 m (2,661 ft) tunnel.^[9]

The penstock from the main dam will feed a power station consisting of two 3-phase synchronous turbines, each of 17.5 MW and a rated discharge of 32 m³ (1,130 cu ft) per second.^[9]

See also

• Electricity in Sri Lanka
• List of dams and reservoirs in Sri Lanka
• List of power stations in Sri Lanka

References