The 216 MW project — Nepal’s largest under direct foreign investment — completes a critical hydro-mechanical structure as overall construction reaches 82% and targets commissioning by mid-2027.
Rasuwa — The Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project has successfully completed the installation and operational testing of one of three weir gates at its dam structure, marking a significant hydro-mechanical milestone for Nepal’s largest hydropower project under direct foreign investment.
The event was held on Wednesday in the presence of Member of Parliament from Rasuwa, Hon. Mohan Acharya; Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Mr. Sagarraj Gautam; Executive Vice President of Korea South-East Power Company (KOEN), Mr. Young Ki Lee; Korean Ambassador to Nepal, Mr. Park Taeyoung; and Director General of the Electricity Development Department, Ms. Mandevi Shrestha, among other senior officials.
Role of the Weir Gate
The weir gate is a critical component of the dam’s hydro-mechanical infrastructure. It controls the flow of river water toward the headrace tunnel for power generation, maintains the water level in the reservoir, and safely releases excess water back into the river. With the gate’s successful installation and testing completed to technical specifications, construction work on the project is expected to accelerate toward its targeted completion date.
Construction progress
The project’s main construction work commenced in Poush 2078 (December 2021). As of now, the 9.5 km main headrace tunnel has been fully excavated and concrete lining is underway. The technically demanding 292-metre vertical shaft has also been successfully completed. Civil construction of the powerhouse has been finished, and installation of electro-mechanical equipment including turbines and generators is ongoing.
The project aims to complete equipment installation by December 2026, with the overall target of full commissioning by mid-2027. Flooding in the Trishuli River in 2024 and 2025 caused some delays, but construction has continued on track toward the revised schedule. The EPC contractor is Doosan Enerbility of South Korea.
Power generation and transmission
Once operational, the project is expected to generate approximately 1 billion 530 million 310,000 units of electricity annually — with 38.75% produced in the dry (winter) season and 61.25% in the wet (monsoon) season. The project will produce 104 MW of firm energy, which is particularly significant given its proximity to the Kathmandu load centre. Electricity generated will be fed into the national grid via the Trishuli-3B hub substation under Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). A power purchase agreement between NWEDC and NEA has already been signed.
Key statements from officials
“I commit my full support and cooperation in ensuring that this project, built with direct foreign investment, is completed on time. I urge further expansion of community support programs alongside construction.”
— Hon. Mohan Acharya, Federal MP, Rasuwa
“Successful installation of the weir gate is a major technical achievement. The ministry will provide all necessary facilitation to ensure the project is completed within the target timeline.”
— Mr. Sagarraj Gautam, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation
“KOEN has paid special attention to completing the project within its estimated cost and time. Nepal has enormous green energy potential and we are prepared to invest further in its hydropower sector.”
— Mr. Young Ki Lee, Executive Vice President, KOEN
“With the completion of this project, Nepal–Korea energy cooperation will enter a new chapter. This project will make a significant contribution to Nepal’s electricity production, energy security, and economic development.”
— Mr. Park Taeyoung, Korean Ambassador to Nepal
“The completion of the weir gate installation is a major achievement. We remain committed to completing the project within the established timeline.”
— Mr. Seonung Kim, CEO, Nepal Water & Energy Development Company (NWEDC)
Project location and structure
The dam and associated structures are being built in Haku area of Aama Chhodingmo Rural Municipality-1, Rasuwa, while the underground powerhouse is located in Uttargaya Rural Municipality-1. The project is the largest hydropower project in Nepal under direct foreign investment (FDI).
Community and social responsibility
Under its Community Support Program, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Indigenous Community Plan, the project has spent more than NPR 23 crore 60 lakh to date on education, health, drinking water, road infrastructure, cultural preservation, relief distribution, livelihood, and income generation in the project-affected areas. These programs will continue. The project also runs skill-based training and employment programs for local residents of the affected communities.
Project investors
Korea South-East Power Co. (KOEN) — Lead Korean partner
Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND)
International Finance Corporation (IFC) — World Bank Group
Nepali institutional co-investors
