Solukhola: Power produced from the 82-MW Lower Solu Hydropower Project has been connected to the national power transmission grid. The project, based at Solukhola in the district, is connected to the national grid through the 132 kV double circuit transmission line of the Solu Corridor via the Tingla Substation.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the project, promoted by Solu Hydropower Limited, began generating electricity on July 20 and was connected to the grid following a test run, as shared by Krishna Bahadur Chaudhary, the Assistant Manager of the project. Electricity is generated by constructing a dam in Salme, located on the border of Solududhkunda Municipality-7 and 11, and pumping water to an underground powerhouse located in Bhadaure, Tingla, approximately six kilometers downstream.
A five-kilometer-long tunnel has been constructed to manage the flow of the river and generate energy. Construction of the project began in 2016 and was completed with an investment of Rs 16 billion from various European banks, including FMO. The Lower Solu project is designed to generate a minimum of 23 MW of electricity during the winter and a maximum of 82 MW during the rainy season.
The Lower Solu project stands as the second largest privately invested hydropower project, following the 86 MW Solu Dudhkoshi.