The Nepal government is showcasing four hydroelectricity power projects of over 200 megawatts in the upcoming Nepal Investment Summit 2024.

Two of the reservoir-based hydropower projects are worth over 100 billion rupees.

Thulo-Khimti-Those is set to be showcased as the largest hydropower project in the Third International Investment Summit to be held on April 28-29. The project has a capacity of 1,216-megawatt projects.

According to the preliminary study carried out by the Department of Electricity Development, estimates the project will require an investment of 231 billion rupees.

The project has the potential to generate up to 1,700 megawatts. When the capacity increases, the investment cost will also go up.

According to the plan, the project will be built at Khimti-Those-Shivalaya, on the border between Ramechhap and Dolakha districts, according to the Department.

In this case, the reservoir can be built at Deurali Valley. Khimti is a glacier. When Khimti-Those project is constructed, the settlement in the Garjang Deurali Valley will have to be relocated.

Kaligandaki 2: Cost estimate Rs 133 billion

Reservoir-based Kaligandaki hydroelectricity project located between Gandaki and Lumbini provinces is viewed as the largest project. It has a capacity of 650 megawatts, according to the Investment Board of Nepal. Cost estimate of this project is Rs 133 billion.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the project is being prepared, currently. According to the proposal, 150-meter tall embankment will be constructed at Khalte in the Kaligandaki River and the electricity will be generated by building a power house just below it.

Reservoir, embankment, spillway, penstock, pipe, power house and transmission lines are the core components of the hydro project.

The feasibility study is being conducted, and EIA report of both the projects is being prepared, according to Information Officer Gopi Prasad Shah.

“The study is yet to be completed. We have hired consultants and now they are making study of the projects,” said Shah, “We have also proposed to showcase these projects in the investment summit.”

Naumure and Bharbung projects to cost Rs 100 billion

There are two projects – Naumure Multipurpose Project and Bharbung Reservoir project --worth around 100 billion rupees.

Naumure has a capacity of 218 megawatts whose estimated cost is Rs 92 billion. It is located on the border between Arghakhanchi and Pyuthan near the confluence of Jhimruk and Mandawi rivers.

The reservoir can also be utilized for rafting, fishery, irrigation, according to the plan. Bharbung reservoir-based project has a capacity of 377 megawatts and its estimated cost is Rs 80 billion.

Currently, three different firms including Nepal’s Hydro Consult Engineering are making a feasibility study of this project.