7.5 MW Midim Khola connected in National Grid, Jade Infra got the responsible for operation & Maintenance

Kathmandu; The construction of the 7.5 MW Midim Khola Hydropower Project in Lamjung district has been completed, and it has been connected to the national grid. Electricity generation commenced from the project last week (February 28), promoted by Bhujung Hydropower Company.

The generated electricity is connected to the Bhorletar Substation of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The promoter company had constructed a 33 kV transmission line spanning 26 kilometers from the switchyard to the substation. However, commercial production of electricity from the project has not yet begun.

As per the company a 'Dry Test' in the presence of technical experts from the NEA from February 24 to 28. Following the 'Dry Test,' the structure was filled with water for a 'Wet Test.' The water carried through a 3.735 kilometer-long penstock pipeline from the dam is being utilized for hydropower generation in the powerhouse. This will result in an annual electricity production of 42.25 GWh.

The construction of the project, which received its generation license from the Electricity Development Department (DOED) on Bhadra 26, 2076 (September 11, 2019) and began the construction in 2077. The project was scheduled to start electricity production by 2078. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction work was affected, leading to a delay of one year in the electricity production.

As per the schedule, all the works of the project were supposed to be completed by the end of Shrawan 2079 BS (Mid-August 2022), and electricity production was planned accordingly. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and delays in work, especially caused by floods disrupting transportation of equipment to the project site, the production schedule was also affected, as reported by the company.

The project, estimated to cost Rs. 1.44 billion, received a 75% loan investment from Kumari Bank and Sangrila Development Bank. The remaining 25% investment comes from equity.

The decision has been made to assign the responsibility for its operation, maintenance, and procurement to Jade Infra Pvt. Ltd. once electricity production begins from the project. The company informed that there is a contract between the Promoter Company and Jade Infra for operation, maintenance, and procurement for up to five years.

The initiation of this new system marks a shift where responsibility for operation and maintenance after the construction of hydropower projects is handed over to another company. Henceforth, entities intending to sign agreements for electricity production in the targeted amount will scrutinize with caution. This is because the project's lifespan can be extended.

Previously, Jade Infra had taken the responsibility for operation and maintenance of the Upper Balephi 'A' 36 MW hydroproject project in Sindhupalchowk for up to one year.