The Marsyangdi Hydropower Station, located in Aanbookhaireni Rural Municipality-4 of Tanahun, is currently operating at full capacity, producing 69 megawatts (MW) of electricity, despite it being the winter season when hydropower generation typically declines. This is attributed to the significant rainfall in September and October, which has led to an increase in the flow of water in the Marsyangdi River, allowing the plant to operate at its maximum capacity.
Pashupati Gautam, the chief engineer at the station, mentioned that the plant has been generating electricity at full capacity, producing 23 MW from each of its three units. This is in contrast to last year, when the plant’s output dropped to just 30 MW due to a lack of snowmelt and reduced river flow during the dry season.
The station’s output is closely tied to the water levels in the Marsyangdi River, which originates from the Himalayas. During the summer, snowmelt and rainfall increase water flow, boosting electricity generation. Conversely, in the winter months, when snowmelt slows and water levels in tributaries decrease, power generation typically drops.
Gautam anticipates that the plant will continue producing electricity at full capacity for at least another month, as the water levels remain sufficient to sustain high output. The electricity generated at the Marsyangdi Hydropower Station is transmitted to the national grid through a substation in Bharatpur, Chitwan, providing power to areas including Kathmandu.
In summary, thanks to favorable weather patterns, the Marsyangdi Hydropower Station is operating efficiently even in a season that traditionally sees lower output, offering a good example of how seasonal variations in water flow impact hydropower generation.
