The contractors of Genale Dawa III hydroelectric power project brought in new tunnel boring machine (TBN) to enhance drilling work of headrace tunnels. The machine is going to replace explosives, which the project is using now.

The machine is bought for around 43.5 million USD (equivalent to 300 million Chinese Yuan). The TBM weights around 1500 tons and has a height of 130 meters. The machine is said to be one of the reliable equipments to ease geographical difficulties and rocky tunnels, like the ones at Genale Dawa area.

The project, being undertaken by China Gezhouba Group Co. Ltd (CGGC), was commenced back in 2010 by a contract worth 450 million USD. Upon completion of the project, the hydroelectric dam is expected to generate 254 megawatt of electric power.

According to CGGC the project will be finalized upon the scheduled time and it will go operational by the end of October 2017.

The hydropower project is expected to have a 110 meter height dam and a 12.4 kilometers long headrace tunnel.

Source: The Reporter