25th December 2024, Kathmandu
The Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Plant, Nepal’s largest with a 456-megawatt capacity, has resumed partial electricity generation after 88 days of repairs. The plant restarted operations at 7:40 PM on Tuesday, following extensive damage caused by heavy rains and landslides in late September.
Upper Tamakoshi Resumes Power Generation
Damage from Landslides and Heavy Rains
On September 27 and 28, continuous rainfall caused landslides in the Tamakoshi River basin. The landslides damaged key infrastructure, including the control room, sedimentation pond, and the underground tunnel that connects the dam to the sedimentation basin. As a result, the plant had to halt electricity production from 7:00 PM on September 27.
The landslides also blocked the access road to the dam, forcing the team to use explosives to clear large boulders. Additionally, the 220 kV transmission line from Gongar to Khimti was damaged, disrupting power transmission.
Restoration Efforts and Power Generation
Repair efforts began immediately after the damage. The plant resumed power generation by utilizing the available water flow from the Tamakoshi River. Currently, the plant is producing 120 megawatts of electricity, with plans to gradually increase production. The repair team managed to restore the left sedimentation pond, which allowed the plant to begin power generation a day earlier than planned.
The restoration of the culvert walls and ceiling was also completed, allowing the plant to resume partial operation. However, repairs on the second sedimentation pond will continue through the winter, with plans to fully restore it before the next monsoon season.
Challenges Faced During the Restoration
The repair process was challenging due to the harsh conditions at the site. The landslides not only damaged critical infrastructure but also led to the tragic loss of two company employees and two soldiers who were stationed for safety.
The blocked access road and the complete loss of electricity supply made the situation more difficult. Despite these challenges, the teams worked tirelessly to restore partial electricity generation earlier than expected.
Impact on Electricity Supply
The shutdown of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Plant created significant power supply issues across the country, especially during peak electricity demand.
With the plant now partially operational, it will help stabilize the national grid. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) plans to adjust electricity imports from India to balance the demand and supply during the winter months.
Successful Restoration and Future Plans
Mohan Prasad Gautam, CEO of Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Limited, expressed satisfaction with the progress.
The company, along with experts and contractors, developed and executed a detailed plan that allowed them to restore operations ahead of schedule. The restoration of the second sedimentation pond will be completed before the start of the next monsoon season.
Insurance Coverage and Financial Assistance
The plant’s infrastructure is fully insured, and the repair costs will be covered by the insurance. The company has filed an insurance claim of NPR 1.78 billion to cover the damages caused by the landslides.
The valuation of the damage is currently being assessed by the company and its insurer, National Insurance Company. The settlement of the insurance claim is expected once the assessment is complete.
The company also has insurance coverage for three months of income from electricity sales, and according to the policy, the company will receive compensation for two months of income.
Conclusion
The restoration of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Plant marks a significant achievement for Nepal’s energy sector. Despite facing major challenges, the plant’s partial power generation will help meet electricity demand during the critical winter period.
The repair efforts highlight the resilience of the teams involved and the importance of maintaining the country’s largest hydropower plant as a reliable source of energy.
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