Lower Solu hydropower project connected to national grid

The 82 MW Lower Solu Hydropower Project in Solukhumbu has officially been connected to Nepal’s national power grid.

Electricity from the project is being supplied to the Lammane substation in Tingla through a 132 kV double-circuit transmission line under the Solu Corridor.

The project, developed by Solu Hydropower Limited, was linked to the national line for testing in the third week of July. To generate power, engineers built a five-kilometre tunnel that diverts river water into an underground powerhouse in Bhadaure, Tingla, about six kilometres from the intake site.

According to Assistant Project Manager Krishna Bahadur Chaudhary, two turbines of 41 MW each have been installed, and both units have successfully passed grid testing.

Construction of the project began in 2016 but faced several delays due to difficult terrain, technical challenges, and harsh weather. In its final phase, a massive landslide damaged the penstock and other structures, forcing the team to rebuild. While this raised costs, officials say it has strengthened the project’s long-term durability.

The hydropower plant was built with an investment of Rs. 16 billion, funded by European banks including FMO. Although the initial completion target was September 2025, the work was finished two months earlier, allowing electricity production to begin ahead of schedule.

The project is expected to produce at least 23 MW during the dry winter months and up to 82 MW in the rainy season. It is also part of the government’s “Super Six” initiative, which includes six major hydropower projects developed with private investment.

Beyond energy generation, the project has brought jobs, better infrastructure, and more economic activity to Solukhumbu. Dozens of local youths worked in both technical and non-technical roles during construction. Community leaders believe the project will play a key role in the district’s future prosperity, boosting tourism, industry, and local development alongside power supply.