The Upper Kabeli hydropower project, a 28.1MW run-of-river hydropower initiative in Taplejung District, Nepal, has reached significant milestones in its development. The project team recently announced the completion of the first concrete pours at both the headworks and the powerhouse, marking the start of critical construction activities. Additionally, 1950m of the planned 5.6km headrace tunnel have been excavated since Chaitra 2080 (March-April 2024).
Upper Kabeli is designed to generate 169.74GWh of energy annually by utilizing a design discharge of 17.29 m³/s over a net head of 183.05m. Located within an elevation range of 1,025m to 840m in Sinam, Shreejangha Rural Municipality, the project diverts water from the Kabeli River at Pauta through a 48m concrete weir and sediment exclusion systems. The water is then conveyed via a 4.995km-long headrace tunnel and 1.054km-long steel penstock pipe to a powerhouse equipped with two horizontal Francis turbine units.
The generated electricity will be transmitted to Nepal Electricity Authority’s (NEA) Amarpur substation via a 15km-long single-circuit 132 kV transmission line. The project has a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NEA, guaranteeing energy production for 30 years with an expected Required Commercial Operation Date (RCOD) of January 1, 2027.
The project, with an estimated cost of NPR 5.64 billion, is being developed by Peace Energy Company Pvt. Ltd. (PECL). The company’s responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of hydropower development, including site identification, feasibility studies, design, construction, and operation. PECL also engages in policy advocacy, facilitates partnerships between stakeholders, and undertakes community outreach to promote awareness about hydropower and renewable energy technologies.
Once operational, the Upper Kabeli Hydropower Project will contribute significantly to Nepal’s renewable energy sector, supporting the country’s goals for sustainable development and reducing dependence on imported energy. It is expected to provide reliable electricity to the region while fostering economic growth and energy security.
