This project has an installed capacity of 60 MW and uses a gross head of 684 m through a total waterway length of 10 km at the rated flow of 10.75 m3/s, producting 350 GWh units of energy annually.
Construction works for the project was started in1993, although the work gained momentum only after financial closure in June 1996. The project was completed in May 2000, ahead of schedule despite tremendous geological, logistical and other local problems.
The environmental impact of the project is very minor and the project has been praised for its excellent compliance with strict health, safety and environmental standards. Cooperation of workforce during construction of the project was also extremely good throughout the project period.
Project | Khimti I Hydropower Project (60 MW) |
Location | Ramechhap/Dolakha District, Central Nepal |
Financed by | Asian Development Bank, IFC/World Bank, NORAD, Nordic Development Fund, Exportfinance |
Owner | Himal Power Limited (HPL) |
Independent Engineer | Morrisson Knudsen Co. |
Project Management | Statkraft Engineering (Norway), Butwal Power Company |
Civil Contractor | Consortium of Statkraft Anlegg AS, Norway (now NCC) and Himal Hydro |
Electro-Mechanical | ABB Kraft (now Alstom), Kvaerner Energy (now GE), Nepal Hydro & Electric |
Intake River | Khimti Khola |
Dam/Intake | Gravity Concrete, Excavation 28,000m3, Rip Rap 14,000m3 |
Desilting Basin | 30 m x 120 m with 4 nos. of serpent sluicing system in two chambers. Excavation 85,000m3, Concrete 22,000m3 (Including Intake) |
Tunnels | Headrace 14m2 x 8km, Inclined 4.5 – 6m2 x 937m, Access 24m2 x 890m, Tailrace 15.5m2 x 1,400m |
Highest Head Project in Nepal | Gross Head 684 m, Longest Headrace Tunnel (8000 m), Longest Penstock Tunnel (1000 m) |
Underground Powerhouse | 70 m long, 11 m wide & 17 m high cavern |
Total Cost of Project | US$ 140 Million |
Cost of Civil Works | US$ 56 Million |
Period of Construction | 1996 – 2000 |