88 MW of Power Added to National Grid in First Three Months of Fiscal Year 2024/25
In the first three months of fiscal year 2024/25, an additional 88 megawatts of electricity has been integrated into the national grid. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, presented this achievement during a review of the Ministry’s progress since the formation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government on July 15, 2024.
The power supply system has been significantly enhanced by incorporating hydropower from several private sector projects, including:
- 12 MW Dudhkunda Khola in Solukhumbu
- 38 MW Nilgiri Khola in Myagdi
- 990 kW Selang Khola Small Hydropower in Sindhupalchok
- 25 MW Seti Khola in Kaski
- 4.96 MW Bhim Khola in Baglung
- 5 MW Lankhuwa Khola Small Hydropower in Sankhuwasabha
- 2 MW Upper Richet Khola in Gorkha
Minister Khadka also noted that construction of major projects, such as the 111 MW Rasuwagadhi, 102 MW Middle Bhotekoshi, and 42.5 MW Sanjen Hydroelectric Projects, is nearing completion. Although these were expected to be operational in the first quarter, delays caused by floods and landslides in late September have pushed back their commissioning. However, they are set to connect to the national grid in the coming weeks.
Furthermore, the ministry is preparing documents for the 1200 MW Budhigandaki Hydropower Project, and construction models are being finalized.
In addition to hydropower developments, a 32.4 kW solar water supply and irrigation pump has been installed, and a 100 kW solar mini-grid in Susta Rural Municipality is now connected to the national grid, serving approximately 300 households.
Power Sales and Transmission Expansion
A significant electricity trade agreement has been established with Bangladesh. On October 3, 2024, a tripartite sales agreement was signed to export 40 MW of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh. To address domestic power shortages during dry seasons, a power purchase agreement has been made with India’s NVVN to import 200 MW from the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line and 30 MW from Tanakpur-Mahendranagar.
The ministry has completed two substations: the 220/132/33 kV Chilime Hub GIS and the 220/132/33 kV Trishuli Hub Hybrid GIS. Additionally, the construction of key transmission lines is progressing, including a 4 km 220 kV single-circuit line from Middle Bhotekoshi to Barhabise.
Irrigation and Policy Development
The Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project has expanded irrigation to 14,300 hectares, with a 4.71 MW powerhouse now operational. The Department of Water Resources and Irrigation has enhanced irrigation for an additional 266 hectares and completed a 5 km embankment project.
To further develop the energy sector, the “Energy Development Roadmap and Action Plan 2081” has been prepared for approval, outlining objectives from 2023 to 2035. The ministry has also developed standards for studies and construction work in water resources, which have been submitted for cabinet approval. The Water and Meteorology Policy, 2081, has also been approved and implemented within the first 100 days of the government.
