Floods hamper power generation in 7 hydropower plants

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 7: Several hydropower projects across the country have been affected by floods in rivers triggered by heavy rains. 

According to the Nepal Electricity Authority, the power production to the tune of 640 MW from seven hydropower projects, including 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, has been completely shut down due to floods caused by heavy rains.

Out of the total, about 526 megawatt projects of Nepal Electricity Authority and its subsidiaries have been completely shut down. Due to the impact of the flood, the projects have been completely closed.

According to the data provided by the Authority, the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project was completely shut down after 1:43 AM Saturday. 

Similarly, the 60 MW Upper Trishuli 3 'A' hydropower project is completely closed after 4:10 in the morning.  Likewise, the power production of 10 MW Sunkosi hydropower has been shut down since 8:30 AM today.

The power generation of hydropower projects with capacity of 114 MW of Independent Power Producers has been completely closed from Saturday morning.

The 36 MW Balefi Hydropower Project, 20 MW Lower Modi, 15 MW Middle Modi and 40 MW Upper Chamelia have been shut down caused by the foods.

Some projects are partially operating due to floods in river.  The 50 MW Solu Dudhkosi, 47 MW Likhu-1, 29 MW Likhu-2, 38 MW Middle Tamor and 7 MW Modi Hydropower have been operating partially. 

Similarly, the power generation of 6 MW Trishuli, and 5 MW Devighat and 14 MW Chameliya Hydropower Project has been operating partially, said the NEA.