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Moragolla Dam

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Moragolla Dam
CountrySri Lanka
LocationMoragolla
PurposeHydroelectricity
StatusPlanned
Opening date2021
Owner(s)Mahaweli Authority
Dam and spillways
Type of damGravity dam
ImpoundsMahaweli River
Height (foundation)35 m (115 ft)
Spillways5
Reservoir
CreatesMoragolla Reservoir
Total capacity1,980,000 m3 (70,000,000 cu ft)
Moragolla Power Station
Operator(s)Ceylon Electricity Board
TypeConventional
Turbines2 × 15 MW
Installed capacity30 MW
Annual generation85 GWh

The Moragolla Dam is a planned hydroelectric dam in Moragolla, Sri Lanka. The dam is to be 35 m (115 ft) high and is planned to create the 1,980,000 m3 (70,000,000 cu ft) Moragolla Reservoir with a maximum supply level at 548 m (1,798 ft) MSL.[1] Upon completion, the Moragolla Power Station would have a gross installed capacity of 30 megawatts from two francis turbines, capable of generating approximately 85 GWh annually.[2]

Preliminary assessments and feasibility studies of the hydroelectric dam and power station began on 24 September 2012,[2] with an estimated commissioning date in 2021. The dam is planned to impound the Mahaweli River at Weliganga and have five spillways,[1] with the powerhouse located approximately 500 m (1,600 ft) from the tailrace discharge of the Kotmale Power Station.

Environmental impact

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The construction of the Moragolla Dam and underground penstocks posed significant threats to the endangered green labeo fish species in the project site. This has caused many delays and added cost to the development of the hydropower facility.[1]

Energy

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Moragolla is the last major Hydro Power Plant in Mahaweli Ganga Hydro Power Scheme. The project site is located on the upper reaches of the Mahaweli Ganga in the Central Highlands, approximately 22 km south of Kandy City, close to the village of Ulapane in Kandy district and about 130 km north-east of Colombo.

Moragolla Hydro Power Plant consists of 37 m high dam with five spillway gates, intake, head race tunnel, surge tank, penstock tunnel and shaft, power house with switchyard, relocation of irrigation and access roads.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Dissanayaka, Nisansala (16 March 2017). "Hydropower vs endangered fish: CEB's proposed hydropower project a threat to endangered species". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 2021-10-20. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Moragolla Hydropower". Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy. Archived from the original on 2021-05-30. Retrieved 2 July 2017.