Kathmandu. A severe flood has caused substantial damage to the dam site of the 57.5 MW Nupche Likhu Khola Hydropower Project, currently under construction in the high Himalayan region of Ramechhap district. The project, located in Umakunda Rural Municipality, suffered major structural losses after an unexpected surge in the Likhu Khola River.

Promoted by Vision Energy and Power Limited, the project had already completed dam construction when the flood hit. According to the company's Executive Chairman TN Acharya, the intake, desander, and parts of the powerhouse have been significantly affected.

“The powerhouse area was also hit. We are currently gathering data to assess the full extent of the damage,” Acharya stated.

⚙️ Project Timeline and Impact

Originally scheduled to begin electricity generation by the end of Shrawan 2082, the project’s progress has now been delayed. According to Acharya, it will take a minimum of three months to restore the damaged infrastructure and resume construction.

The hydropower project began construction on Asoj 12, 2078 BS, and is believed to be the highest-altitude private sector project under development in Nepal to date.

⚡ Power Generation & Financials

• Expected Annual Energy Output: 381 GWh

• Design Flow: Q45

• Estimated First-Year Revenue: Rs 2.35 billion

• Transmission Connection: NEA’s Garjang Substation, located 24 km from the power station

• Total Project Cost: Rs 10.57 billion

💰 Investment Structure

The project is financed through a mix of 75% debt and 25% equity. The lending consortium is led by Machhapuchhre Bank, with participation from:

• Himalayan Bank

• Bank of Kathmandu

• Rastriya Banijya Bank

• Kumari Bank

• Koshi Bikas Bank

• NCC Bank

Additionally, the Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company Limited (HIDCL) has contributed Rs 500 million as part of the equity investment.

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Image Source : Urjasanchar