SPLUKHUMBU: The 82-megawatt Lower Solu Hydropower Project, located in the Himalayan district of Solukhumbu, has been successfully connected to Nepal’s national power grid.

The electricity generated from the project is being transmitted through the 132 kV double-circuit Solu Corridor transmission line via the Tingla substation.

Constructed with private investment, the project is considered a significant milestone in Nepal’s energy sector.

Promoted by Solu Hydropower Limited, the first unit began test production on July 20, and power was synchronized with the national grid, according to Assistant Project Manager Krishna Bahadur Chaudhary.

The project draws water from a dam built at Salme, located between wards 7 and 11 of Solududhkunda Municipality, and channels it about six kilometers downstream to an underground powerhouse in Bhadure, Tingla.

A five-kilometer-long tunnel has been constructed to control river flow and facilitate energy generation.

Two Pelton turbines, each with a capacity of 41 MW, have been installed, and both units have successfully passed initial grid synchronization tests.

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will now conduct further performance testing over the next 15 days. After NEA approval, the project will begin full commercial operation.

Since its inception in 2016, the project has faced various challenges including difficult terrain, technical complexity, and climate-related disruptions.

During the final phase of construction, a landslide severely damaged the penstock structure, necessitating full reconstruction.

Despite increased costs, project officials believe this has strengthened the long-term reliability of the infrastructure.

The project was developed with an investment of Rs 16 billion, with funding from European banks including FMO.

It stands as a notable example of public-private and international cooperation in Nepal’s energy development. Although the original completion target was September 2025, the project was finished two months ahead of schedule.

In winter, the project is expected to generate a minimum of 23 MW, while peak production of 82 MW is anticipated during the monsoon.

The power generated is now flowing into the national grid via the 132 kV double-circuit transmission line to the Tingla substation.

The Lower Solu project is one of six major private-sector hydropower projects under Nepal’s “Super Six” initiative.

It is now the second-largest private hydropower project in the country, after the 86 MW Solu Dudhkoshi project, which is already operational.

Beyond electricity generation, the project has had a significant impact on the local economy of Solukhumbu—creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and stimulating business activity.

Dozens of local youths have been engaged in technical and non-technical roles, from tunnel excavation to turbine installation and power plant operation.

Local officials believe the project will become a cornerstone for the district’s prosperity, with ripple effects expected in tourism, industry, services, and infrastructure development.