Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project Pre-Feasibility Study Summary
Project Overview
The Beko-Abo Multipurpose Project is a major hydroelectric development on the Abay River (Blue Nile) in Ethiopia, conducted by the Ministry of Water and Energy. The pre-feasibility study was finalized in May 2013.
Document Structure
The complete report consists of multiple volumes:
- Volume 1: Main Report with executive summary
- Volume 2: Project Drawings (A-G)
- Volume 3: Supporting Documents (Annexes 3A-3M)
- Volume 4: Initial Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment
Key Hydrological Findings (Annex 3A)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Catchment Area | 93,490 km² |
| Mean Annual Inflow | 753 m³/s |
| Design Floods (peak) |
|
| Sedimentation | 2,250 Ton/km²-year (annual inflow 255 MT) |
Reservoir Operation (Annex 3B)
The study evaluated multiple dam height alternatives with different full supply levels (FSL):
| Alternative | FSL (m a.s.l.) | Total Storage (Mm³) | Active Storage (Mm³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (High Dam) | 1062 | 31,701 | 17,476 |
| 2 | 1050 | 27,000 | 15,167 |
| 3 | 1030 | 19,995 | 11,139 |
| 4 | 1010 | 14,224 | 7,654 |
| 5 (with Karadobi) | 910 | 2,000 | 1,107 |
Key Conclusions
- The project site has significant hydrological potential with mean annual inflow of 753 m³/s
- Sediment transport rates are high (2,250 Ton/km²-year), favoring larger reservoir alternatives
- Higher dam alternatives show better long-term sustainability against sedimentation
- The low dam alternative (with Karadobi) would quickly become a run-of-river scheme due to sedimentation
- Comprehensive field measurement programs are recommended for future feasibility studies