KATHMANDU: The 102-megawatt Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project is on track to begin generating electricity within a month.
Developed by a subsidiary of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the project is nearing completion.
The installation of the 220 kV single circuit transmission line is expected to be finished within two weeks.
The issue regarding the four-kilometer transmission line from the project’s switchyard at Bahrabise Municipality-5 to the NEA’s substation in ward 3 of the same municipality has been resolved, and work is underway to secure the wiring.
The main tunnel of the project was completed last February, although some water leakage issues required repairs.
Currently, the tunnel is being cleaned, and water is scheduled to be supplied and filled in the tunnel in the next 15 days.
Civil construction of the powerhouse has been completed, and the installation of electromechanical equipment is ongoing.
Once the water is supplied to the tunnel, the ‘wet test’ of the equipment will commence.
State Minister for Energy Purna Bahadur Tamang and NEA Executive Director Kul Man Ghising inspected the project on Saturday, urging project management, consultants, and contractors to fulfill their responsibilities within the month.
Upon the start of power generation, the NEA plans to supply electricity from the Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project to its Bahrabise Substation.
For project development, funding was split evenly between equity and a loan from the Employees’ Provident Fund.
Founding shareholders include NEA, Chilime Hydropower Company Limited, Sindhupalchowk Hydropower Company, Nepal Araniko Hydropower Company, Sindhu Investment Company, and Sindhu Bhotekoshi Hydropower Company Limited.
Additionally, contributors from the EPF, affected community members, and others comprise over one million general shareholders.
The project is anticipated to generate approximately 542.2 million units of power annually.
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