110 MW Dudhkoshi Hydropower Project Set to Be Developed in Solukhumbu

The 110-megawatt Dudhkoshi Hydropower Project-5 is set to be constructed on the Dudhkoshi River in Solukhumbu district, marking a significant addition to Nepal’s growing hydropower sector.

The project, proposed by the developer, will be located across wards 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 of Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality. It is being developed by Independent Power Company Nepal, which has received approval from the Electricity Development Department to proceed with the project as a semi-reservoir-based scheme.

Initially designed as a run-of-the-river project, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) has already been completed. However, a supplementary EIA report is currently being prepared following the change in project design to a semi-reservoir model.

As part of project implementation, more than 2,450 trees from a community forest area will need to be cleared, according to the developer.

Once completed, the electricity generated from the project will be connected to the New Khimti Substation at Devitar in Dolakha District, strengthening the national power transmission network.

The total cost of the project is estimated at over NPR 19 billion, and construction is expected to be completed within five years, the developer stated.