Status Operational Construction cost 150 million USD | Purpose Power Opened 2012 Construction began 2009 | |
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Opening date 2012; 5 years ago (2012) Owner(s) Fiji Electricity Authority | ||
The Nadarivatu Dam, also known as the Korolevu Dam, is a concrete gravity dam on the upper reaches of the Sigatoka River in Nadarivatu District of Nadroga-Navosa Province, Fiji. The primary purpose of the dam is to generate hydroelectric power in a 41.7 megawatts (55,900 hp) run-of-the-river scheme. The Nadarivatu Hydropower Scheme was first identified in 1977 during a hydropower study. Details plans for the project were developed in 2002 and major construction began in 2009. The power station was commissioned on 7 September 2012 but an inauguration ceremony led by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was held a week later on 14 September. Funding and loans for the project was provided by several organizations to include the China Development Bank (US$70 Million), Fiji Electricity Authority bonds (US$50 million), ADZ Bank (US$30 million). The 40 m (130 ft) tall dam diverts water from the Sigatoka River through a 3,225 metres (10,581 ft) long headrace/penstock tunnel to a power station along the Ba River to the southwest. The power station contains two 20.85 megawatts (27,960 hp) Pelton turbine-generators. The drop in elevation between the reservoir and the power station affords a gross hydraulic head (water drop) of 335.7 metres (1,101 ft).