Seismic Risk Assessment Announced for Kambar-Ata-1 Hydropower Project

The management of the Kambar-Ata-1 Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) is seeking a contractor to conduct large-scale seismic studies at the site of the future dam. The contract is valued at 23.6 million soms, with the application deadline set for September 21, 2026. These investigations will take place in the Toktogul district of the Jalal-Abad region, which will serve as the primary construction site.

The requirement for additional testing is driven by the high seismic activity of the region. Project designers require precise data regarding potential risks to ensure the safe construction of the hydroelectric facility. A primary focus for specialists is a potentially active tectonic fault designated as F20, which passes in close proximity to the right abutment of the projected dam.

The winning bidder will be responsible for excavating up to three exploratory trenches directly across the F20 fault line and examining adjacent structures that could impact the stability of the power plant. Geologists are tasked with analyzing the soil structure, recording evidence of ancient tectonic shifts, and determining the geometry of displacements. Samples will be collected from the site for radiocarbon, geochemical, mineralogical, and optically stimulated luminescence analysis.

The second phase of the investigation involves the use of four boreholes and the application of surface wave analysis methods. This technology will allow for the calculation of the Vs30 index – the shear wave velocity in the upper thirty meters of soil. The information gathered will serve as the foundation for the final design of the dam and its associated infrastructure.

Financial terms of the agreement include a 10% advance payment. The remaining 90% will be transferred within thirty days of the final acceptance of the results. In the event of delays, the contractor faces a penalty – 0.1% of the contract value per day, though the total fine is capped at 5%.

Eligibility for the tender is restricted to specialized companies with a portfolio of at least two completed projects involving the investigation of active tectonic faults. Technical specifications also mandate that the working group include a specialist with at least ten years of experience in the fields of seismology and geotectonics.