Secacao Hydroelectric Project

Hidroeléctrica Secacao SA (HSSA) completed construction of a 16 MW hydroelectric project in eastern Guatemala in 1998. A number of challenges were encountered during construction and start-up of the project, requiring aggressive project management to meet the completion date. While this paper presents a case history, many of the issues that needed to be addressed (taken for granted on projects in developed areas) are critical and perhaps typical of small and medium-sized projects in remote areas of developing countries. The design and construction of the project involved a team of engineers, contractors, material suppliers, and vendors. As a member of the project team, Duke Engineering & Services, Inc., provided a review of the design, prepared equipment procurement specifications, and provided construction management and start-up assistance with the project. This paper is primarily related to that involvement.