Govt to prioritize reservoir-based hydro projects: PM Deuba

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said that the government would work for the development of large reservoir-based hydropower projects.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the 220-132 KV new Khimti substation completed under the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project at Gogar in Dolakha earlier today, Prime Minister Deuba said that the development of Budhi Gandaki and West Seti reservoir projects will be expedited soon. 

The Budhi Gandaki is a 1,200 MW-capacity hydropower project while West Seti Hydropower Project is with a capacity of 750 MW. 

Prime Minister Deuba said that these projects were important for energy security for the country. He also said that large and reservoir projects were also necessary for clean and green energy and the government is making necessary homework for the same.

On a different note, Prime Minister Deuba also clarified that an appropriate decision would be taken regarding the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) which has not been able to move forward for a long time. The energy entrepreneurs have been saying that the construction of the project has been disrupted due to the failure of PPA.

Prime Minister Deuba said that the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, built with Nepal's own investment and hard work, has made a great contribution to the supply of electricity. He thanked all the concerned employees and construction entrepreneurs for the completion of the project.

Upper Tamakoshi, a project of national pride, has so far generated one billion units of electricity. The project with a total capacity of 456 MW was inaugurated last June. Prime Minister Deuba thanked all those who helped in the project and urged them to use their knowledge and skills in other projects as well.

On the occasion, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Kulman Ghising said that the NEA is preparing to move ahead with big projects with the investment of Nepali people. He termed the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project as a "game changer project" and said that it has also made significant contributions in improving the economic condition of the NEA.

Republica