Sanjen Hydropower Project Begins Commercial Electricity Production
December 17, 2024 | Investopaper
The Sanjen Hydropower Project, developed by Sanjen Hydropower Company Limited, has successfully connected its electricity generation to the national grid. Located in Rasuwagadhi’s Amachhodinmo-5 area, the project has a capacity of 42.5 megawatts and is designed as part of a “cascade model” that includes two semi-reservoir projects.
The upper Sanjen hydropower plant was completed in Bhadra end, 2080 BS and began supplying electricity to the national grid on Ashwin 21, 2080 BS. Initially operating through an emergency transmission line with an 11 kV capacity, the project faced delays due to challenges such as the 2072 earthquake and COVID-19.
However, with the recent completion of the Chilime-Trishuli 220 kV transmission line, the company has successfully integrated its power production into the national grid.To support electricity flow, the company constructed an eight-kilometer double circuit transmission line and a 132/11 kV substation.
The project also features a peak storage pond with a capacity of approximately 44,000 cubic meters, which enhances stability in the national electricity system during peak demand periods. This facility allows for additional electricity generation during evenings and facilitates maintenance work during emergencies.
Sanjen is notable for being the first project in Nepal that can maintain continuous electricity production from its lower cascade while performing maintenance on its upper cascade. With the commercial operation of the 42.5 megawatt Sanjen hydropower project, it is anticipated that some of the system imbalances experienced during high-demand winter months will be alleviated.
