Mai Cascade begins generation

    1307
    Feb 14: Mai Cascade Hydropower Project (7 MW) formally began power generation from Friday.

    The project uses water in tailrace of Mai Hydropower Project (22 MW) which was connected to national grid in October last year.

    According to Subarna Das Shrestha, director of Sanima Mai Hydropower Ltd, Mai Cascade missed deadline by only few months.

    The project is generating only around 2 MW at present as water level in Mai Khola River of Ilam is very low, according to project officials.

    Delay in completion of Kabeli Corridor had affected Mai Hydropower Project as energy generated by the project couldn’t be connected to national grid for about a year. The combined cost of the two projects is Rs 4.5 billion.

    Sanima Mai Hydropower Ltd is promoted by Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs). The company is also preparing to develop two other projects — Middle Tamor (54 MW) and Likhu (28 MW) by forming two subsidiaries — Tamor Sanima Energy Limited and Swetgagna Hydropower Construction Company Ltd.

    Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) reports of both the projects have already been prepared. Similarly, connection agreements have already been signed. The developers are awaiting generation license from the Department of Electricity Development for entering into the process of achieving financial closure for both the projects.

    Source : Republica