Lekgaun: Electricity generated from the Relekhola Hydropower Project, located in Lekgaun of Narachyang in Annapurna rural municipality-4, has been successfully connected to the national transmission grid. Developed by Him Consult Pvt. Ltd., the project recently completed its internal test production before its integration into the national network.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Project Chief Darshan Kafle confirmed that the power generated by the project is now linked to the national grid via the Dana Substation, which is part of the Kali Gandaki Corridor transmission line. Kafle mentioned that the project will be observed during a testing phase lasting approximately 20 days. If no technical issues are detected during this period, the project will commence commercial electricity production.
The construction of a 13-kilometer approach road for the project began in 2077 BS, followed by the development of other physical infrastructure in 2079 BS. The project boasts a 510-meter water head for the powerhouse located in Hariswara. A 33 kV transmission line, stretching 4.3 kilometers, connects the powerhouse to the Dana Substation.
The Relekhola Hydropower Project required a total investment of Rs 1.35 billion. The financing includes a 70 percent loan from Himalayan Bank and Rastriya Banijya Bank. Several contractors were involved in the development work: Sakura Power Construction handled civil works, Workshop Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd. took charge of hydro-mechanical tasks, and Flovel Energy Pvt. Ltd. from India was responsible for electromechanical works.
Prior to this project, other hydropower projects in Narchyang, such as the 110-mw Nilgiri I and Nilgiri II Cascade, the 5-mw Ghalemde Khola, and the 42-mw Mistri Khola projects, have been completed and successfully connected to the national transmission grid.