Nam Theun 1 Power Company Limited (NT1PC), in collaboration with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), is conducting crucial tests of its spillway radial gates at the Nam Theun 1 Dam from 14-15 May, 2025.
This annual exercise is essential to guarantee the proper operation of the dam’s spillway gates in anticipation of the upcoming rainy season. Ensuring the gates function correctly is vital for effective water management and dam safety.
The rigorous testing procedure involves a systematic opening of the spillway gates in five stages: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Technical staff will meticulously record the corresponding gate height at each stage. For instance, a 20% gate opening should correspond to approximately 3.8 meters, while a 40% opening should be around 7.7 meters, scaling up to the full 100% opening. The accuracy of these measurements is paramount, with an allowable average deviation of no more than 2%.
The Nam Theun 1 Dam is equipped with six spillway gates, and the current testing will focus on two gates at a time. Each gate operation, involving both opening and closing, is estimated to take approximately three hours to complete. This proactive measure underscores NT1PC’s commitment to safety and operational readiness as the wet season approaches.