110MW Dudhkoshi-5 Hydropower Project to be Developed in Solukhumbu

Kathmandu. A 110-megawatt Dudhkoshi-5 Hydropower Project is set to be constructed on the Dudhkoshi River in Solukhumbu district. The project is proposed to be located across wards 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 of Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality. The powerhouse will be situated 730 meters above the confluence of the Kanku Khola and the Dudhkoshi River in Mapya Dudhkoshi-4.

Upon completion, the project will supply 617.86 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually to the national grid. During the construction phase, it will provide employment to 60 skilled, 150 semi-skilled, and 355 unskilled workers.

The Department of Electricity Development has already granted approval for the project to be built as a semi-reservoir type. Independent Power Company Nepal is reported to be the developer of the project.

Although an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was previously prepared for a run-of-river project, a supplementary EIA is now being conducted due to the shift to a semi-reservoir design. The Ministry of Forests and Environment has requested feedback for the supplementary EIA.

The project has a gross head of 237.9 meters and a rated net head of 222.3 meters. Construction will require clearing 2,459 trees of various species, including Khotesalla, Banj, Chilaune, Uttis, Mauwa, Malat, Bhalayo, and Jamun, from 25.28 hectares of community forest land.

The electricity generated will be connected to the New Khimti Substation in Devitar, Dolakha. The total cost of the project is estimated at 19.11 billion rupees, with a cost per megawatt of 200 million rupees, according to the developer.

The project aims to be completed within five years.