The 102-megawatt Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project is expected to start producing electricity within a month. It represents a significant advancement in Nepal’s energy sector. The project developed by a branch of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), is approaching completion.
One of the essential components, a 220 kV single-circuit transmission line, is expected to be completed in two weeks. This will connect the project’s switchyard in Bahrabise Municipality-5 to the NEA substation in Ward 3 of the same location. Recent developments have fixed past issues with a four-kilometer line section of the line, allowing construction to go smoothly.
The project’s main tunnel was finished in February, although minor water leakage difficulties delayed its usage. The tunnel is currently being cleaned, and water is scheduled to flow into it within the next 15 days, marking the start of critical equipment testing. Civil powerhouse construction has already been completed, and electromechanical installations are underway.
Purna Bahadur Tamang, the state minister for Energy, and Kul Man Ghising, the National Energy Authority Executive Director, recently visited the site. They urged everyone worried to complete their job on schedule. Once operational, the power generated will be sent to the Bahrabise Substation.
The project’s growth is supported by a combination of equity and loans, with the Employees’ Provident Fund playing an important role. The NEA, Chilime Hydropower Company, and other local partners are major owners. Other community members and public shareholders contributed as well. When fully operating the Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project is estimated to generate around 542.2 million units of electricity per year, providing a significant boost to Nepal’s energy supply.
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