Bhote Koshi Power Plant

The Bhote Koshi Power Plant (also known as Upper Bhote Koshi Project) is a run-of-the-river power plant in Sindhulpalchok District, Nepal. It was constructed between 1997 and 2000 with power generation starting in January 2001. The project cost about US$98 million.[2] The majority of finances was provided by Panda Energy International.[3] The dam, located at 27°56′20″N 85°56′42″E, diverts water downstream into a 3,300 m (10,827 ft) long head race tunnel which terminates into two penstocks that supply the two 22 MW Francis turbine-generators with water. The drop in elevation between the dam and power plant affords a normal hydraulic head of 135.5 m (445 ft).[1]

Bhote Koshi Power Plant
Bhote Koshi Power Plant is located in Nepal
Bhote Koshi Power Plant
Location of the Bhote Koshi Project in Nepal
CountryNepal
LocationSindhulpalchok District
Coordinates27°54′46″N 85°55′26″E
StatusOperational
Construction began1997
Opening date2000
Construction costUS$98 million
Dam and spillways
Type of damGravity
ImpoundsBhote Koshi
Height5 m (16 ft)
Length60 m (200 ft)
Elevation at crest1,435 m (4,708 ft)
SpillwaysControlled overflow
Spillway type2 x radial gates
Spillway capacity1,044 m3/s (36,900 cu ft/s)
Reservoir
Catchment area2,132 km (1,325 mi)
Normal elevation1,434 m (4,705 ft)
Power Station
Operator(s)Bhote Koshi Power Company Private Limited
(Owned by Himal International Energy Pvt. Ltd.
Himal International Power Corp Pvt. Ltd.
Tara Fund Pvt. Ltd.
RDC of Nepal)
Commission date2001
TypeRun-of-river
Hydraulic head135.5 m (445 ft) (normal)
Turbines2 X 22 MW Francis-type
Installed capacity36 MW
Max. planned: 44 MW[1]
Annual generation246 GWh

The installed capacity of the project is 44 MW,[2] whereas it has a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Nepal Electricity Authority for generation of 36MW maximum. The PPA dictates how much the project can generate for each month of the Nepali Calendar. During monsoon season (about three months each year) Bhote Koshi can operate at full installed capacity, with excess water still being spilt. During winter season however, power generation from the plant decreases drastically due to low river flows.[4]

References
  1. "Salient Features". Bhote Koshi Power Company Private Limited. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  2. Breeze, Paul (2005). Power Generation Technologies. Newnes. p. 120. ISBN 9780750663137.
  3. "FAQs". Bhote Koshi Power Company Private Limited. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  4. Head, Chris (2000). Financing of private hydropower projects (1. print. ed.). Washington, DC: World Bank. pp. 109–110. ISBN 0821347993.
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