DoED studying 25 projects with combined capacity of 7,800 MW

KATHMANDU:  The Department of Electricity Development (DoED) is carrying out studies of 25 hydropower projects that have a combined capacity of over 7,813 MW.

According to Chiranjeevi Chataut, Director General of the DoED, among those under study, a dozen projects are with a capacity of over 100 MW each. In addition to issuing licenses to other companies for the studies, the DoED is also conducting studies on its own.

“Most of the hydroelectric projects have reached the final stage of study while some are in the middle stages of development. The largest 1720-MW t Khimti Tose Shivalaya hydropower project is being studied by the DoED, using its own resources” said Chataut.

Bangladesh has shown its willingness to invest in this project, which is to be developed in Khimti River that divides Ramechhap and Dolakha of Bagmati Province.

The DoED is also studying the Sunkosi-2 hydropower project of 978 MW that will be implemented in Kavre, Sindhuli, and Ramechhap districts. Similarly, the 844 MW Kaligandaki multi-purpose project 683 MW Sunkosi-3, 512 MW Burbang , 310 MW Seti Khola-6, 110 MW Kokhajor ,916 MW Humla Karnali, 477 MW Kaligandaki-2, 350 MW Lower Badigad Reservoir,115 MW Mugu Karnali  and 218 MW Naumure Reservoir projects are also under study.

Chataut also said 13 hydropower projects below 100 MW each with a combined installed capacity of 589 MW are under study by the DoED.