GORKHA — Two new hydropower projects, Budhigandaki ‘A’ and Budhigandaki ‘B’, are set to be built in Gorkha. Budhigandaki ‘A’ will generate 103.4 megawatts, while Budhigandaki ‘B’ will produce 226 megawatts, according to project engineer Durgesh Magar. Both projects are being promoted by Naulo Nepal Hydro Electric Company Pvt. Ltd.
The company plans to invest NPR 31.32 billion in Budhigandaki ‘A’ and NPR 56.99 billion in Budhigandaki ‘B’. Budhigandaki ‘A’ will include a dam at Lusyang in Dharche-3. Water will be diverted through a 4-kilometer tunnel to a powerhouse at Machakhola.
Both projects will use run-of-the-river technology. Budhigandaki ‘A’ will drop water from a height of 111 meters to generate electricity. The power produced at Machakhola will be transmitted 12.7 kilometers to connect with Budhigandaki ‘B’.
Budhigandaki ‘B’ will have its dam at Khanibensi in Dharche-7. Water will travel through a 9.5-kilometer tunnel to a powerhouse in Soti. This project will use a 197.97-meter drop to generate electricity.
Magar confirmed that both projects have completed their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Final surveys are underway to account for changes caused by the earthquake. Construction is expected to begin in the upcoming dry season.
Together, the two projects will supply 329.4 megawatts of electricity to a substation located 18.5 kilometers away in Lapa, Dhading.
