Overall progress of the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project is now at a combined total of about 99.5%: Civil works are approximately 99.7% and Electro-mechanical (EM) works are now around 99.2%.
At the Power Intake, the downstream concrete cofferdam is completely removed while the upstream cofferdam is partially removed. The spillway radial gates are now open.
The HRT Adit plug, top EL. 1322.20 is completed since September 2022. Cleaning of the HRT invert slab will take place prior to commissioning.
Electro-Mechanical Works at the Powerhouse
The installation and dry test of activities including the outdoor lighting and CCTV Cameras installation and the commissioning of the Unit 1 Unit Control Board Protection System, and Monitoring Panel, Unit 1 Generator and Turbine Instrumentation is completed.
Commissioning/ dry testing activities at Unit 2 have started with Generator CTs, Unit Auxiliary Board, and Neutral Grounding Cubicle. Unit 3 Auxiliary Board dry testing is completed. Preparations for the dry commissioning of the Unit 3 Generator Protection is ongoing.
Draft Tube Service Gates, and Stoplogs have been lowered and dry commissioning of the stop log gates for Unit 2 is completed. The installation of the drainage and dewatering systems, firefighting systems, high-pressure systems, ventilation systems, and cabling works continued. Configuration of the Powerhouse SCADA system is also ongoing.
Civil works at the Powerhouse
- At the draft tube area, slots 1 & 2, cleaning of mud is 95% complete.
- The remaining cleaning of the tailrace left side support is completed.
- At draft tube area, slots 3 & 4, cleaning of mud is still ongoing and there was dewatering activity this month.
- At draft tube No. 3, slots 5 & 6, cleaning of mud is complete and there was dewatering activity this month.
- The excavation and preparations the HPU trenches in front of the service bay main entrance was completed and handed over to CP2 for the main installation of the pipes. In the oil/water separator pit, the bottom slab had be completed and pit handed over to CP2 and the oil/water separator tank has been installed
Tailrace
At the left bank, the Civil Works Contractor has completed the backfilling of temporary ramp for additional rock support. The installation of additional rock bolts and shotcrete were completed in March 2023. All backfilled materials completely removed, and cleaning of foundation is ongoing.
Transformer yard
The transformers are placed at their respective bays since December 2022 and final assembly is being completed.
The Switchyard Control Building is 100% complete. The ground levelling and gravelling are complete. The internal road and lighting pole foundations are complete.
220 kV Switchyard
At the Switchyard, installation of hardwired interlock for outgoing 220kV lines and outdoor lighting installation is ongoing. Switchyard control system boards are in operation, and the signal & function test with all switchyard installations is completed. Witness of the Rwanda line tele-protection set-up and configuration of communication at the Rusumo switchyard and Bugesera substation; the ABB tele-protection tests for the Tanzania line are completed, and the voice communication tests from Powerhouse to Nyakanazi substation are also completed. RPCL designated team also received training from the ABB commissioning engineer.
The Switchyard Control Building is 100% complete. The ground levelling and gravelling are complete. The grouting of base plates of main towers, circuit breakers and disconnector towers are completed. The quality of work is good.
