Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station
The Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station, also Turkwel Dam, is an arch dam on the Turkwel River about 76 km (47 mi) north of Kapenguria in West Pokot County, Kenya. The dam serves several purposes to include hydroelectric power production, irrigation tourism and fisheries. It was constructed between 1986 and 1991. It supports the third largest hydroelectric power plant in the country, having an installed electric capacity of 106 megawatts (142,000 hp).[1]
| Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station | |
|---|---|
  Location of Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station in Kenya | |
| Country | Kenya |
| Location | Kapenguria, West Pokot County |
| Coordinates | 1°53′53.47″N 35°20′1.34″E |
| Purpose | Power, irrigation, fisheries |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | 1986 |
| Opening date | 1991 |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Arch |
| Impounds | Turkwel River |
| Height | 153 m (502 ft) |
| Length | 150 m (490 ft) |
| Dam volume | 170,000 m3 (220,000 cu yd) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Turkwel Gorge Reservoir |
| Total capacity | 1,641,000,000 m3 (1,330,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station | |
| Coordinates | 1°55′16.85″N 35°21′31.79″E |
| Operator(s) | Kenya Electricity Generating Company |
| Commission date | 1991 |
| Type | Conventional |
| Hydraulic head | 356 m (1,168 ft) |
| Turbines | 2 x 56 MW Francis-type |
| Installed capacity | 106 MW (142,000 hp) |
The dam, Kenya's tallest, has a height of 153 metres (502 ft), crest length of 150 m, dam volume of 170,000 cubic metres (6,000,000 cu ft) and retains a water volume of 1,641 million cubic metres (1,330,000 acre⋅ft). The power station is located underground downstream and contains two 56 MW Francis turbine-generators.[2] The difference in elevation between the reservoir and power station afford a net hydraulic head of 356 m (1,168 ft).[3]
References
- "Turkwel History". Kengen. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- "Scenic Turkwel pulls in tourists" (PDF). Ipsos. 31 October 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- "Tender for Rehabilitation of Turbine Governor & Control Equipment, Excitation System, Generator & Transformer Protections Systems and MV/LV Supply Distribution System for Turkwel Hydro Power Station-Kenya" (PDF). Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited. p. 44. Retrieved 22 February 2015.