All three units of the Kulekhani Hydropower Plant in Makwanpur are now operating at full capacity. According to the Kulekhani Hydropower Project, the onset of the dry season has led to the full-capacity operation of the first, second, and third units of the plant.
Tara Datt Bhatt, Chief of Kulekhani I, stated that Kulekhani I is generating 60 MW, Kulekhani II is producing 32 MW, and Kulekhani III is generating 14 MW of electricity. Based on demand, the plant is currently operating at full capacity for 14 to 18 hours daily.
Since power generation from run-of-river projects decreases during the dry season, Kulekhani Hydropower Plant’s three units are being operated at full capacity to manage the power supply, Bhatt explained. He mentioned that during the monsoon season, water is stored in the dam as run-of-river projects operate at full capacity, and the stored water is utilized for full-capacity operation in the dry season.
Currently, the plant is generating electricity for 14 to 18 hours daily, with the capacity to run continuously for 24 hours if needed. From Shrawan to Falgun of the current fiscal year 2081/82, Kulekhani I has produced 81,209 MWh of electricity, compared to just 34,388 MWh in the fiscal year 2080/81.
