Batang Ai Hydroelectric Scheme  (Year 1977 - 1987) Client: Australian Development Assistance Bureau (Stage 1) Sarawak Electricity Supply Corporation (Stage 2)

Batang Ai Power Station

Top view of Dam

Description of Project: The project is on the Batang Ai River 220km east of the Sarawak Capital, Kuching. The power generated from the project is expected initially to meet the demands of major Sarawak consumers and then to supply a substantial proportion of the total power demand to the turn of the century. Main features of the scheme are: Rockfill concrete face dam 85m high, crest length 810m, storage volume 2,870 x 106m 3 Three saddle dams 60m high x 510m crest length, 30m x 200m, and 50m x 500m Surface power station with four Francis turbines with total installed capacity 92MW Transmission line Batang Ai-Kuching, 216km at 275kV The total value of the scheme was approximately US$ 200 million in 1987 dollars.

Services Provided:

Following the identification of the Batang Ai project as the first hydro power project for implementation is SESCO's development of the hydro power potential in Sarawak , SMEC undertook the following project stages:

Stage 1: Feasibility study, field investigations, detailed design of all civil, electrical and mechanical works, prequalification of tenderers, preparation of tender documents, tender evaluation, supervision of construction of the diversion tunnel, supervision of electrical and mechanical plant contract to completion of manufacture, and training of local personnel in design work.

Stage 2: Contract administration and supervision of construction of all civil works; supervision and administration of power plant and transmission line contracts; inspection of power plant during manufacture and supervision of installation and commissioning; training of local personnel.