Kathmandu - Chilime Hydropower Company Limited is actively expanding its presence in the hydropower sector, with 596.4 megawatts (MW) worth of projects at various stages of completion — some already operational, others under construction or in preparation.

⚡ Operational Projects

The company’s own 22.1 MW Chilime Hydropower Plant is currently in regular operation, contributing electricity to the national grid.

Additionally, three other projects, totaling 168.3 MW, have been completed through subsidiary companies under Chilime’s leadership. These include:

• 14.8 MW Upper Sanjen

• 42.5 MW Sanjen

• 111 MW Rasuwagadhi

All are currently generating electricity and supplying power to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

🏗️ Projects Nearing Completion

The 102 MW Middle Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project is in its final stage of development, and while not yet generating electricity, it is expected to begin operations soon, according to company officials.

🔍 New Projects in Preparation (304 MW Total)

Chilime is preparing to develop several new hydropower projects for which feasibility studies and construction planning are underway:

• 87 MW Seti Nadi-3 Ashik Reservoir Project

• 81 MW Budhi Gandaki Prok Project

• 91 MW Budhi Gandaki Project

• 45 MW Chumchet Syarkhola Project

The company has already secured construction permits for the Budhi Gandaki and Syarkhola projects. The remaining two are in the permit approval process.

📍 Site and Feasibility Challenges

For the Budhi Gandaki project, the feasibility study was delayed for over two years due to a lack of government approval for site visits. However, the necessary permissions have now been granted, and study activities are proceeding.

💰 Financial and Logistical Planning

Discussions are ongoing with several financial institutions to arrange funding for the Seti River-3 project, and construction is expected to begin soon, as the access road to the project site is already completed.

For the Budhi Gandaki Prok and Chumchet Syarkhola projects, road infrastructure is still under development. The Nepali Army is leading the excavation and access road work, and once completed, construction of the hydropower facilities will follow immediately.

📸 Images & Content Courtesy: 
📰 Source: UrjaSanchar.com