Norwegian Design Principle for High Pressure Tunnels and Shafts: Its Applicability in the Himalaya

Abstract

Cost effective, safe and long term sustainable hydropower development is a key for the lasting economic growth in the Himalayan region. Increasing pressure towards the use of renewal and environmentally friendly energy for industrial growth and daily household use will force Himalayan region to exploit hydropower energy more extensively. The tradi-tionally used design approach of fully lined underground waterway system is costly, finan-cially unfeasible and is an obstacle to attract investment in hydropower sector in the Hima-laya. Hence, more innovative solutions are needed to make hydro generated energy more cost effective and long-term sustainable energy solution. This paper briefly describes geo-logical set-up of the Scandinavia, history of Norwegian Hydropower and reviews the de-sign principle used to develop underground waterway system in Norway. Brief comments are also made on the applicability of these principles in the Himalayan region. It is planned that more discussions will be made in the future on the geo-tectonic environment of the Himalaya and suitability of Norwegian design principle in the Himalayan region.