The Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project (UTKHEP) has been placed into operation in Nepal, with its 456MW capacity making it the largest hydropower plant in the country.
The plant is considered is located in a remote region of the upper Himalayas on the Tamakoshi River basin, about six kilometers from the border with Tibet. With a natural head of 822m and six underground units, it produces up to 2,281 GWh of electricity annually. This renewable energy will improve living conditions and promote economic development in the country.
All six turbines and generators have been in full operation since September 2021. During the rainy season, the total electricity generation of Nepal will exceed what the population and the economy are currently consuming. This will lead to decreasing electricity costs, with plans to supply consumers in need with electricity free of charge. In addition, Nepal could export electricity.
The Nepal Electricity Authority, Nepal Telecom, Citizens Investment Trust and Rastriya Beema Sansthan are the promoters of Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Limited (UTKHPL). The general public has also made a huge investment through the company’s initial public offering (IPO). The UTKHPL, executing agency of the plant, is considering a second expansion stage, the Rolwaling Khola Hydroelectric Project (RKHEP) with an installed capacity of 20MW. In addition to the 2,281 GWh annual energy from the UTKHEP, another 105 GWh would come from this new power plant.
Since 2011, hydropower experts from Tractebel engie have been responsible for the implementation planning and construction management of the project, in cooperation with its partners.
