Gandaki-Dhaulagiri top power generation

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    As many as 12 projects producing 337MW in region

    hydro_artPOKHARA: Gandaki and Dhaulagiri zones alone generate almost half the total hydro power produced across the nation.

    Till date, of the total 700 MW hydro-electricity connected to the central transmission line, 337 MW power is generated only in Gandaki and Dhaulagiri zones. Various big hydro projects are under construction and some of them will be starting production in the near future.

    Ramji Bhandari, Chief of Nepal Electricity Regional Office, Pokhara, said approximately 50 per cent of the total electricity of the country is generated in the regions. There are many hydro power projects under construction, he added. Kaligandaki A, the largest hydro power project in the country lies in Syangja, the 70 MW Mid-Marsyangdi lies in Lamjung and the 69 MW Marsyangdi is in Tanahun.

    There are 123 projects in the region. Many under construction projects under private sector and state-owned NEA lie in the region and the PPA of many projects have been completed and construction will begin soon.

    The data available with the Ministry of Energy shows that around 300 MW power will be generated in the upcoming three to four years in the region. Of the 83 projects granted licenses, 28 projects with 2,330 MW potential lie in Gandaki and Dhaulagiri zones. Of the total 109 projects granted license for survey, 28 including Gorkha’s Upper Budhigandaki are in the region. There are many under construction hydro projects in Kaski, Lamjung and Myagdi districts, said sources.

    Anandaraj Mulmi, former Chairman of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, said the government should create an investment-friendly atmosphere as the potential for hydro-electricity generation is high. 

    “As there is no alternative to the use of water resources for the country’s overall development, the government should work with short, mid and long term plans to utilise resources for economic revolution in the country,” Mulmi stressed. He said that the transmission lines would be extended.

    Meanwhile, Bijaya Babu Malla, Chief Executive Officer of Madi Power Private Limited, said many hydro power projects in the region are in the process of being constructed, while survey is going on in some projects others are going through the process of getting licenses. “The government should ensure investment-friendly environment by amending policies,” he said. 

    Source : The Himalayan Times