Madhya Bhotekoshi producing power within a month

Kathmandu, Sept. 22: The Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project of 102 megawatt capacity is generating power within a month. Built by the subsidiary company of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), entire works of the project have reached the final stage.

Fixing the electric wire for the transmission line of the 220 kV single circuit transmission line is expected to complete within two weeks. The issue of the four-kilometre-long transmission line from switchyard of the project at Bahrabise Municipality-5 to the NEA’s substation at ward no. 3 of the same municipality is also now resolved and the workers are working to fix the wire.

The main tunnel of the project was completed in last February. As there were some issues including water leakage from the tunnel, it was repaired. Presently, cleaning of the tunnel is ongoing and water would be supplied and filled in the tunnel after 15 days. Civil construction of the powerhouse is completed and the electromechanical equipment has been installed, the project officials said.

After the water supply in the tunnel, the ‘wet test’ of equipment will begin. State Minister for Energy Purna Bahadur Tamang and NEA Executive Director Kul Man Ghising made an inspection visit to the project on Saturday and directed the project management, consultant and contractors to complete their responsibility within a month at any cost.

After beginning of the power generation, the NEA will charge its Bahrabise Substation by using the electricity from the Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project. For the project development, 50 per cent was managed as equity while 50 per cent in loan from Employees’ Provident Fund. NEA, Chilime Hydropower Company Limited, Sindhupalchowk Hydropower Company, Nepal Araniko Hydropower Company, Sindhu Investment Company and Sindhu Bhotekoshi Hydropower Company Limited are the founding shareholders of the project.

Likewise, contributors of EPF, members of the affected communities and others are the general shareholders of the project. The company has more than 1 million general shareholders. The project is expected to generate 542.2 million units power annually.