Kathmandu, Dec 17: Electricity generated by the Sanjen Hydropower Project, constructed by Sanjen Hydropower Company Limited, a subsidiary of Chilime Hydropower Company, has been connected to national grid for commercial distribution. Following the completion of all technical tests, the project’s electricity was integrated into the system on Monday evening.
Sanjen Hydropower had been conducting test production since November 23. Situated in Aamachhodingmo-5, Rasuwa, the project has a capacity of 42.5 MW. The first unit started generating electricity after technical testing on November 23, and the electricity has been commercially available in the national grid since Monday, according to Sub-engineer Rabin Koirala.
The project, one of the two semi-reservoir type hydropower projects built under the “cascade model,” completed its construction and began supplying electricity to the national grid.
For electricity transmission, the company constructed an 8-kilometer 11 kV double-circuit transmission line and a 132/11 kV substation. Initially, 8.5 MW of electricity was sold alternatively through the Chilime-Trishuli 66 kV transmission line due to capacity limitations. Delays in the project were attributed to the 2015 earthquake, COVID-19, blockades, and the unavailability of a national transmission line. However, with the recent completion of the Chilime-Trishuli 220 kV transmission line, the project is now successfully connected to the national grid.
The project is considered a model among Nepal’s semi-reservoir-type hydropower projects. A “picking pond” with a storage capacity of approximately 44,000 cubic meters has been constructed at the dam site of the Upper Sanjen Hydropower Project. This enables the storage of water to facilitate an additional 70 minutes of power generation during peak evening hours, contributing significantly to the national grid, according to CEO Arpan Bahadur Singh.
The picking pond also allows for maintenance activities and power generation during emergencies or breakdowns. Sanjen Upper Hydropower Project is Nepal’s first project under the cascade model that can continue generating electricity in the lower cascade project even during maintenance of the upper project. Advanced technology imported from Germany makes this possible, preventing losses during maintenance and providing significant economic relief.
Due to its advanced technology, Kathmandu University has adopted this project as a case study in its laboratories. The project also offers opportunities for practical research and study for students focusing on hydropower development, renewable energy, hydrology, and sustainable development.
With the commercial operation of the 42.5 MW Sanjen Hydropower Project, it is expected to help reduce the imbalance in the national electricity system during the high-demand winter months. #nepal #hydro #electricity
