Nepal harnesses its renewable energy potential with Tractebel

Hydropower is a sustainable renewable energy with low carbon emissions. Nepal is harnessing its potential to generate energy for households and the economy, as well as for export. Along with the Upper Trishuli 1, Upper Tamakoshi and Tanahu hydropower plants, the Middle Bhotekoshi Hydroelectric Project (MBKHEP) is a further cornerstone of this strategy. Our experts are providing construction supervision services.

Currently under construction on the Bhotekoshi River, this run-of-river plant will have a capacity of 102 MW, design flow of 50.8 m³/sec and gross head (distance between intake and turbine) of 235 m. The river is snow, glacier and rain-fed and therefore carries ample water throughout the year, especially during the monsoon season.

Increase in pace of construction leads to follow-up order

Construction is targeted for completion in 2023. Our experts are providing construction supervision services for the work as consultants. The construction of the headworks civil structures of the project, including the spillway, side intake and desander, is planned for completion before the onset of the monsoon season in 2022.

Unforeseen events – including an earthquake, landslides and Covid-19 - caused delays. Nevertheless, construction has resumed at an encouraging pace over the last year. The combined efforts of the client, contractor and our hydro experts have produced good results in terms of project progress. As a result, client Madhya Bhotekoshi Jalavidyut Company Limited (MBJCL) signed a follow-up order (Addendum No. 6) with Tractebel at the end of February.

The new hydropower plant on the Bhotekoshi River harnesses Nepal’s potential for renewable energy

Middle Bhotekoshi hydropower project: technical details

- Gated weir with under sluice and side intake

- Three surface desanding basins, each measuring 100 m(l) x 13 m(w) x 8.5 m(h)

- Tunnel measuring 7124 m x 5.7 m(w) x 5.7 m(h)

- Surface powerhouse measuring 52 m(l) x 15 m(b) x 25.5 m(h)

- Turbines: Francis, vertical axis, 3 x 34 MW

- Generator unit capacity and quantity: 40 MVA and 3 units

- Annual marketable energy: 542.2 GWh

- Transmission line length/voltage: 4 km/single circuit 220 kV

Our experts are providing construction supervision services for the 102-MW run-of-river plant 

“In Nepal, hydropower has been a prominent source of GDP and export in recent years. From an environmental aspect, hydropower also contributes to lower carbon emissions, which is in line with our aim to develop and use sustainable and renewable sources of energy.”

Atul Sitaula, Deputy Branch Manager and Finance Manager of Tractebel in Nepal

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