Kansai Nam Ngiep I HPP

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The project company Nam Ngiep 1 Power Co, sponsored by KANSAI Electric Power Company (Japan) EGAT International (Thailand) and Lao State Holding Enterprise LHSE (Lao PDR), were planning the joint development of the 287 MW Namn Giep 1 hydropower plant, on the Nam Ngiep River, Lao. Project capacity was reported as 262.9 MW by the Laos government. The project was to consist of a 148 meter high concrete gravity dam, producing 1,515 GWh annually. The main power station has a capacity of 272 MW, with a re-regulation power station downstream of an additional 18 MW. Both power houses produce 1,515 GWh and 105 GWh annually respectively. The project uses Francis turbines and is connected to the grid via a 230 kV transmission line of 130 kilometer, to Nabong S/S. The re-regulation station used a Bulb turbine, and is connected to the grid via a 115 kV transmission line of 40 kilomter connecting at Pakxan S/S. Kansai holds 45% of the shares, EGATi 30% and LHSE 25%. The consosrtium reached agreement in September 2007, and its MOU was amended in June 2009 reflecting the transfer of ownership from EGAT to EGAT international. At the end of the concession period, the company is to transfer the facilities to the Government of Lao, either at zero value or at an amount agreed in the concession agreement. Alternative resettlement locations were ordered by the Office of the PM in April 2011, after affected people disagreed with initial proposal in May 2010 and rejected the first plan on 11-12 April 2011. Construction is expected to start in 2012, commissioning was expected for 2018. Initial PPA was signed in April 2006 but expired in February 2009. In 2011, the constructin permit was reported by the Laos government as under negotiation. The ADB announced it was to provide a B-loan of $122.3 million and organised a private sector loan of $76.4 million on May 1st 2011. Financial advisor was BNP Paribas. Legal advisor to the lenders was Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy advised the sponsors. Total cost was estimated at $1,000 million, with a debt to equity ratio of 70/30. Half of the debt was to be financed in Thai Baht, the other half in USD. The tenor was expected to be more than 15 years. Japanese banks were to finance the dollar-share of the debt, involved were BTMU, Mizuho Corporate Bank and SMBC. The ADB and JBIC would also provide debt. JBIC was expected to provide 40% (or $140 million). The Thai Baht part was arranged by BangkokBank, Kasikorn Bank, Siam Commercial Bank and Thai Exim Bank. The project is under construction and commissioning is reported for January, 2019. http://pid.adb.org/pid/PsView.htm?projNo=41924&seqNo=01&typeCd=4 http://namngiep1.com/ http://www.kepco.co.jp/english/corporate/info/international/generate/laos.html http://laomate.activeboard.com/t15758738/lao-government-holds-around-25-share-of-all-hydroelectricity/ http://www.internationalrivers.org/files/Lao%20dam%20data_Jan08.pdf https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-document/81809/41924-014-rrp.pdf