Phidim, December 29

With some hydro-power projects beginning construction, some set to supply power, and others adding power to the national grid, power generation from rivers in the eastern districts of Nepal has risen of late.

A total of 59.9 MW of power generated from rivers in Ilam and Panchthar districts has been connected to the national grid so far. While taking into account the ongoing 762 MW Tamor Hydro project, it is most likely that at least 1,455 MW of power will be generated from the rivers in Ilam, Panchthar, and Taplejung alone.

At least 80 MW of power will reportedly be added to the national grid within this fiscal. Hewa ‘A’ Hydro Project in Bharapa, Panchthar of 14.9 MW has started test transmission since November 26.

Kabeli Corridor Project is also at the final stage to start its test transmission, according to the project’s chief Dipendra Raj Dwibedi. Hewa ‘B’ project of 22 MW, under-construction at the moment, is also preparing to start its transmission within six months.

Similarly, the under-construction 25 MW Kabeli ‘B’ project in Panchthar is preparing to start power generation within this fiscal. At least 62 MW of hydro-electricity will reportedly be added to the central transmission line in Panchthar alone this fiscal.

As per Dwibedi, at least 13 MW of power in Ilam, and five MW of power in Taplejung will be added to the national grid this fiscal. Other projects such as the 5 MW Fawakhola project in Taplejung, 5 MW Lower Puwa project, and 8 MW Himal Dolakha project in Ilam are set to start commercial transmission within three-and-a-half months.

Earlier, one MW of power in Panchthar, and 52 MW of power in Ilam were transmitted from the central transmission line. Sanima Maikhola project of 22 MW, and trail ration projects of 7 MW have been operated in Maikhola of Ilam.

There are three ongoing hydro-power projects including two projects of the Nepal Electricity Authority in the region.