MYAGDI, May 4: The 21.3-megawatt Thulo Khola Hydroelectric Project is bracing for test production in Kuinemangle, Raghu Ganga Rural Municipality-8. United Energy Limited has completed the infrastructure work for the project, and the testing of machinery and equipment installed in the powerhouse and switchyard is underway, according to the project's Plant Manager, Binod Paudel.
Paudel confirmed that the construction of the dam, tunnel, powerhouse, and switchyard has been completed. The installation of machinery, including turbines, in the powerhouse is finished, and the necessary tests have been carried out. Workers are currently constructing an 8-km transmission line to connect the electricity produced by the project to the central grid.
11 bridges built, 2 under-construction on Pokhara-Muglin road
The project team is focused on completing the transmission line tower wiring and plans to begin test production on May 15.
Located in the border area between Kuinemangle and Chimkhola in the Fedi region, the project will generate electricity by channeling water through a tunnel and penstock pipe into the powerhouse on the banks of the Raghuganga River in Chhori. The project includes a 3,382-meter-long tunnel and a 634-meter-long penstock tunnel.
The project has received 30 percent of its investment from non-resident Nepalis and Nepali nationals, with the remaining 70 percent provided by banks and financial institutions. The total cost of the project is estimated at NPR 3.6 billion, with investments from Nepal Bank Limited, Sunrise Bank, National Commercial Bank, and Siddhartha Bank.
Sakura Power/Triple S JV won the civil works contract, while Toyer Hydro was awarded the electromechanical works contract.