Nam Ngum 1 Hydropower Station Expansion Project

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Project Category: Energy & power

Constructed in 1971, the Nam Ngum 1 Dam is now undergoing expansion through the Nam Ngum 1 Hydropower Station Expansion Project, which includes the construction of a new intake, waterway, and powerhouse for Unit No.6.

This requires precision work to pierce the existing dam concrete to accommodate the intake and waterway, designed with a discharge capacity of 111.2 m³/s.

The powerhouse, built to support 40MW generating equipment, is aligned with the existing structure and positioned adjacent to the downstream face of the dam. The project involves installing a temporary coffering bulkhead, which withstands a water head of over 26 metres.

A key feature of the project is the innovative dam-piercing technology, enabling expansion without interrupting the operation of the existing powerhouse.

Brief description of the project:

Constructed in the 1970s, the Nam Ngum Dam and its hydropower plant (NN1 HEPP) have met the electricity demands of Lao PDR for over 50 years. As the first dam and hydropower plant in the country, NN1 HEPP has provided invaluable experience that continues to inform the development and implementation of hydropower projects across Lao PDR. Known as the “battery” of Indochina, this symbolic power station possesses vast hydropower potential.

NN1 has undergone three expansions, including the current one. The first two expansions were planned from the outset of the dam’s construction, while this third expansion leverages new technology to address modern demands. The project introduced innovative dam-piercing techniques, both vertically and horizontally, allowing modifications without disrupting existing operations. This advancement is expected to play a crucial role in shaping future hydropower projects in Lao PDR.

This project is deserving of an award for its enhancement of technical capacity across Lao PDR and its successful implementation of an international quality management system (QMS). It sets a precedent for sustainable and technologically advanced infrastructure development in the region.

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GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Yes
GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Yes
GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Yes
GOAL 13: Climate Action: Yes
GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal: Yes
Engineering companies involved:

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd.
Electric Power Development Co., Ltd
Lao Consulting Group Ltd

Client organisation:

ELECTRICITE DU LAOS