The rain-induced disasters in the past few days have caused damage worth Rs 2.45 billion to hydropower projects across the country, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation said on Sunday, September 29, citing the data available so far. 

The amount of loss is expected to rise with the availability of more details in the next few days. 

A total of 11 hydropower projects generating 625.96 MW and 15 others under construction, with a total installed capacity of 1010.29 MW, have suffered damage. The production of another 1,100 MW of electricity has been halted in light of the vulnerability of powerhouses following the disasters, according to the ministry.

Earlier on the day, the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal (IPPAN) said that landslides and floods have damaged 20 hydropower projects across the country.

According to IPPAN, the powerhouse of the 22 MW Bagmati Small Hydropower Project has completely submerged and power production halted in the 22.1 MW Lower Hewakhola and 14.9 MW Hewakhola and 86 MW Solu Dudhkoshi projects. 

The disasters also caused damage to the dam and transmission line of the 9.6 MW Maikhola Hydropower Project. 

The access road and safety wall of the 40 MW Suparnyadi Hydropower Project have been damaged due to flooding. While the camp house and access road of the 216 MW Upper Trishuli-1, constructed with a Korean investment, have also been damaged. 

Likewise, three containers loaded with construction materials have been washed away at various hydel project sites. The crusher of the Hewakhola hydropower Project has been buried and the access road destroyed.

With the disruption in the domestic power production, the NEA had to import additional 300 MW of electricity from India on Saturday alone. 

(The headline has been updated for clarity)

RSS