Kali Gandaki-A
Location: Gandaki Zone
Operator: Nepal Electricity Authority
Configuration: 3 X 48 MW Francis
Operation: 2002
T/G supplier: Toshiba
EPC: Morrison-Knudsen, Impregilo
Quick facts: This plant on the Kali Gandaki River is the largest hydroelectric plant in Nepal. The main structures of the project are a 44m concrete gravity diversion dam, a 6km headrace tunnel, and a surface powerhouse. The plant is grid-connected by two 132kV lines. The first feasibility study was completed in 1979, and was then updated in 1992 with assistance from the United Nations Development Program. ADB and JBIC each provided a loan of $160mn for the plant and the completion cost was $354.8mn.In 1997, DSD Noell was awarded the contract for3,500t of electromechanical equipment for this plant including radial gates, stoplog panels, trashracks, bottom oulet linings, inlet slide gates, and other equipment.

Photograph courtesy of DSD Noell
Posted 29 Aug 2009

Marsyangdi
Location: Gandaki Zone
Operator: Nepal Electricity Authority
Configuration: 3 X 23 MW Francis
Operation: 1990
T/G supplier: Voith, Siemens
EPC: Lahmeyer

Photograph courtesy of United States Energy Association
Posted 1 Sep 2002

Khimti-I
Location: Janakpur Zone
Operator: Himal Power Ltd
Configuration: 5 X 12.5-MW Francis
Operation: 2000
T/G supplier: Kvaerner, ABB
EPC: Statkraft, Himal Hydro
Quick facts: This run-of-river plant is in Dolakha district 100km east of Kathmandu. It utilizes a drop in elevation from 1,270m to 586m in the Khimti River, a tributary of the Tama Koshi River. A low diversion dam leads water through de-sanding chambers into a headrace tunnel, then a surge chamber, then a steel-lined concrete penstock shaft. Khimti-I began commercial operation in Jul 2000 and is operated according to a fixed monthly energy contract during the wet season The plant cost $140mn and has a 20yr PPA with Nepal Electricity Authority. SN Power owns 50.4% and other owners include Bergenshalv ens Kommunale Kraftselskap AS (23%), Butwal Power Co (14.9%), and Alstom and GE Energy (5.8% each). Financing was by IFC, ADB, Eksportfinans a.s, NORAD and the Nordic Development Fund.

Middle Marsyangdi
Location: Gandaki Zone
Operator: Nepal Electricity Authority
Configuration: 2 X 35 MW Francis
Operation: 2008
T/G supplier: Voith, Siemens
EPC: Lahmeyer, Dywidag-Dragados-CWE Joint Venture
Quick facts: This is a peaking, run-of-river power station jointly funded by NEA and KfW. The estimated cost was €273mn. The plant is connected to the Marsyangdi power station by a 41km, single-circuit 132kV line. Civil work started on 25 Jun 2001 but completion was delayed by security concerns, strikes, and other issues.

Photograph courtesy of Nepal Electricity Authority
Posted 22 Nov 2008

This was photo number 4,500 posted to the gallery.

Upper Bhote Koshi
Location: Kosi
Operator: Bhote Koshi Power Co Pvt Ltd
Configuration: 2 X 22.5 MW Francis
Operation: 2001
T/G supplier: Harbin
EPC: Harza, Hydrochina Zhongnan
Quick facts: In March 2006, Himal International Energy Pvt Ltd acquired the majority of the shares in Bhote Koshi Power from U.S.-based Panda Global Holdings. The project is located on the Bhote Koshi River in Sindhupalchok district close to the Tibet, China-Nepal border and 70km kilometers from Kathmandu. The Bhote Koshi River originates from glaciers and glacier lakes in Tibet and the run-of-the-river project produces electricity in accordance with the river flow.