Operation of run-of-river plants on the Mekong and Rhône rivers

Following an initial request from the Government of Laos, CNR of France has been assisting the Xayaburi Power Company Ltd in the development and deployment of a hydrometeorological monitoring and forecasting system (HMFS), with the same strategy as the tools developed on the CNR cascade of run-of-river plants along the Rhône river in France. This paper explains the general concept to operate most of run-of-river plants, especially during flood events. The concept is illustrated by the operation rules developed by CNR and XPCL on their respective facilities. The similar forecasting system used by both companies to anticipate inflow and dam operation is described.