Global consulting and engineering company Poyry Energy Business Group has been selected to supervise the construction of Laos' 1,285-MW Xayaburi hydroelectric project.

As per the contract, Poyry says it will support the Laotian government and project owner Xayaburi Power Company Limited throughout what is expected to be an eight-year process.

The run-of-river hydropower plant will include eight Andritz-supplied Kaplan turbines, multiple fish passages, low-level outlet gates for sediment flushing and navigation locks for shipping along the Mekong River.

Poyry says it acted as a technical consultant for the project in 2011 and made a number of proposals that will be incorporated into the final plan.

"By first reviewing the project's technical design and now overseeing the project implementation, we can actively and positively contribute in careful implementation of the first hydro power project in the lower Mekong River," says Ari Asikainen, president of Poyry's Energy Business Group.

A statement from the company says the parties have agreed not to disclose the value of the award.