Rebuilding flood-damaged hydropower structures estimated to cost nearly Rs 390 billion

Rebuilding hydropower projects damaged by floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers is estimated to cost around Rs 390 billion, according to preliminary assessments.

According to Sushil Chandra Acharya, joint secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, the investment value of the energy infrastructure affected by the floods was about Rs 124 billion. The Ministry said rising weather-related disasters linked to climate change have had a major impact on the energy and water resources sector.

According to the Ministry, the Bhadau 10 flood alone damaged 14 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of about 783 MW. According to Nepal Electricity Authority Executive Director Dirghayu Shrestha, damage to various stations including the Upper Trishuli 3B hub after that flood has taken about 430 MW off the system. Preliminary estimates put the Authority and its subsidiaries' losses in that area at about Rs 74 billion.

Following rains from Asoj 8 to 11, landslides damaged three towers on the Dana-Kushma transmission line in Myagdi, taking a further 180 MW off the system. He said a total of about 610 MW of generation is currently shut down. Along with compiling detailed damage assessments, the government has begun preparing financial and regulatory models for reconstruction.