SATV 09 April, Kathmandu: The 78-megawatt Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project, constructed in Rasuwa with investment from China Harbor Engineering Company, has been successfully connected to Nepal’s national transmission grid today.
Operated by Salasungi Power Limited under Sino Hydro’s 11th Bureau, the project has a total capacity of 78 MW. During the dry season, it is expected to feed 22 to 24 MW into the national grid, officials announced at an inauguration ceremony.
The project is anticipated to alleviate load-shedding in Nepal’s industrial sector and reduce the country’s reliance on electricity imports from India during low-production periods.
Government Highlights Hydropower as Key to Development
Energy And Water Resource Minister Deepak Khadka, present at the inauguration, emphasized that Nepal’s development hinges on increasing domestic electricity production. He expressed confidence that partnerships with neighboring countries, like China, would help Nepal achieve its ambitious target of generating 28,500 MW within the next decade.
Minister Khadka praised China Harbor for its expertise in large-scale projects and expressed hope for further collaboration in major ventures like the Karnali Chisapani Hydropower Project.
China Reaffirms Support for Nepal’s Growth
Wang Xin, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, stated that China remains committed to support Nepal’s development, calling the Sanjen Khola project just the beginning. He highlighted that the project aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its successful completion strengthens the initiative’s impact.
Technical Feats and Future Prospects
Located at an altitude of around 2,100 meters, the project showcases Chinese technical prowess, noted Hitendra Dev Shakya, Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority. He expressed admiration for the engineers and workers who completed construction even in sub-zero temperatures, calling it a testament to their dedication.
Prithvi Bahadur Pandey, Chairman of Nepal Investment Mega Bank, remarked that the project’s completion within two years of loan disbursement demonstrates China’s efficiency, encouraging further Nepali investment in hydropower.
A Moment of Pride for Builders
Zhang Qufen, Chief Finance Officer of China Harbor Engineering Company, described the project’s completion as a proud achievement, crediting the relentless efforts of engineers and workers despite Nepal’s challenging conditions.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The timely completion and grid integration of such projects reinforce trust in Chinese investors and solidify the millennia-old Nepal-China relationship, ensuring its longevity for years to come.
