The 102 MW Middle Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project, led by Chilime Hydropower Company, has entered the final phase of testing for its 7 km tunnel. According to project officials, preparations are underway for electromechanical testing by filling the tunnel with water and directing it to the powerhouse.

During the wet testing in January 2024, water leakage was detected in the tunnel, prompting a retest nearly a year later. The technical team has reported that no issues were found this time as water was filled in the tunnel, which stretches from Chaku Bazaar in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality to the powerhouse in Jambu, Barhabise Municipality.

After signing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in 2011, the project is now preparing for production nearly 12 years later. “We are ready to send water through the penstock pipe,” said a technician overseeing the testing. “The electromechanical systems installed at the powerhouse are now ready for testing.” With initial electromechanical tests already completed, the project expects to finish all work within the next two weeks.

The project, which was originally intended to be completed in four years, has key investments from Chilime, the Electricity Authority, the Employees Provident Fund, and local stakeholders. It has also issued shares to the general public and affected individuals, and trading of the shares has already begun. The delay in construction was primarily caused by factors such as earthquakes, floods and landslides, undue political interference, COVID-19, and internal management issues.

Initially estimated at 12.28 billion, the project’s cost has now surpassed 20 billion due to the extended timeline. Bhotekoshi Company has already paid over 5 billion in interest. As a result of the interest payments, technicians estimate the per-megawatt production cost will exceed 20 million.

Source: kantipur