The operation of the Kulekhani Hydroelectric Project has been shut down from Saturday to install ‘automation’ in the first and second units of the project.

The project is planning to install automation in Kulekhani Units I and II by shutting down the plant. Since electricity generation from Kulekhani is not required during the rainy season, the shutdown is being scheduled at this time to carry out maintenance and the installation of automation, said the project chief, Taradatta Bhatt.

“Since Kulekhani Units I and II, built about 43 years ago, are of an old model, we are planning to install automation in them,” he said. “After installing the automation, electricity generation and shutdown operations will be controlled by computer, whereas currently they are being done manually.”

Automation has already been installed in Kulekhani Unit III, which was constructed just four years ago.

Nepali technicians themselves are carrying out the automation installation work. For this task, technicians from Kaligandaki, Marshyangdi, and Devighat have been brought in. According to the technicians, it will take about a month to complete the installation.

While automation is being installed in Kulekhani Units I and II, Kulekhani Unit III is reported to be undergoing maintenance work. Since Units I and II are not operational, Unit III will also not operate. The water from Unit II is used to generate electricity in Unit III.

All three Kulekhani plants are currently shut down. Kulekhani, which serves as a ‘backup’ for the Nepal Electricity Authority, is usually operated during the dry season. During that time, the project is run based on electricity demand. Kulekhani Units I, II, and III were built with the purpose of using the water stored in Indrasarovar.

Kulekhani Units I, II, and III generate 60 MW, 32 MW, and 14 MW of electricity respectively, totaling 106 MW. The construction of Indrasarovar Reservoir in 1982 cost 12 million US dollars.

Source: Kantipur