111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project Begins Commercial Electricity Generation

January 2, 2025 | Investopaper

The Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, developed by Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Company Limited, has successfully begun commercial electricity generation. The commercial operation date (COD) of the 111 MW hydropower project has been fixed at Poush 16, 2081 BS.

Located in Gosainkunda Rural Municipality, Rasuwa, the project consists of three units, each generating 37 MW. Full commercial production has begun within a month after meeting testing standards and trial production.

Electricity generated will flow through a 10 km, 132 kV transmission line to a substation in Thambuchet, integrating into the national transmission system via the Chilime-Trishuli line. The project aims to help manage winter electricity demands in the Kathmandu Valley, although it is anticipated that only about 37 MW will be produced during winter months due to reduced water flow in the Bhotekoshi River.

Construction faced numerous challenges, including damage from the 2072 BS earthquake, landslides, and delays caused by political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally estimated at Rs. 13.68 billion, the project’s cost has escalated to approximately Rs. 18.69 billion due to these delays and the depreciation of the Nepali rupee against the US dollar.

The project will generate annual energy of about 613.875 GWh.

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