Introduction
The Budhigandaki Hydropower Project is a large-scale storage type hydropower project located in the Central and Western Development regions of Nepal, on the Budhigandaki River. First identified during the Gandaki Basin Study in the late 1970s, the project was further evaluated in 1984, with its current 1200 MW capacity plant recommended during ongoing feasibility studies. The Full Supply Level (FSL) is set at 540 masl (meters above sea level).
Location and Access
The project spans Gorkha and Dhading districts. It can be accessed through Benighat (around 80 km from Kathmandu) via the Prithvi Highway (connecting Kathmandu to Pokhara). A motorable bridge over the Trishuli River provides access to the dam and powerhouse site, which is located approximately 1.5 km from the road head.
Catchment Area (Region-wise Breakdown):
- Gorkha: 2,700 km²
- Dhading: 900 km²
- Nuwakot: 35 km²
- China: 1,365 km²
- Total: 5,000 km²
Project Features
1. Reservoir Details:
- Full Supply Level (FSL): 540 masl
- Maximum Flood Water Level: 542 masl
- Reservoir Surface Area at FSL: 63 km²
- Reservoir Surface Area at MOL (Minimum Operating Level): 39 km²
- Gross Capacity at FSL: 4,467 Mm³
- Active Storage between FSL and MOL: 2,226 Mm³
2. Hydrology:
- Catchment Area: 5,005 km²
- Long-Term Average Flow: 222 m³/s
- Design Flood Discharge: 6,260 m³/s (10,000-year return period)
- Probable Maximum Flood (PMF): 9,800 m³/s
3. Sedimentology:
- Sediment Inflow: 9.8 million m³/year
- Storage Loss after 50 Years: 7%
- Storage Loss after 100 Years: 13%
4. Diversion System:
- Number of Diversion Tunnels: 2
- Tunnel Diameter: 12 m
- Tunnel Lengths:
- Tunnel 1: 408m
- Tunnel 2: 438m
5. Dam Structure:
- Type: Concrete double curvature arch
- Crest Level: 542 masl
- Maximum Height: 263 m
- Crest Length: 760 m
- Total Concrete Volume: 5.75 million m³
6. Spillway:
- Type: Orifice gated spillway with flip bucket
- Number of Bays: 6
- Design Flood Capacity: 6,280 m³/s
7. Power Generation & Waterway:
- Installed Capacity: 1,200 MW (6 x 200 MW Francis-type turbines)
- Rated Discharge: 672 m³/s
- Headrace Tunnel (HRT): 6 tunnels of Ø 5.3 m circular steel-lined shafts
8. Annual Energy Generation:
- Mean Annual Energy: 3,383 GWh
- Winter Dry Season Energy: 1,408 GWh
- Summer Wet Season Energy: 1,975 GWh
9. Transmission Lines:
- Number of Lines: 2
- Voltage: 400 kV
- Length:
- To Naubise: 40.3 km
- To Hetauda: 58.7 km
10. Cost Breakdown:
- Total Capital Cost: $2,593 million USD
- Environmental and Social Cost: $612 million USD
- Civil Works: $1,265 million USD
- HV Lines: $33 million USD
Economic & Financial Parameters:
- Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR): 15.5% (Scenario N°1) to 16.9% (Scenario N°2)
- Financial Internal Rate of Return (FIRR): 7.0% to 8.6%
- Average Energy Cost: US¢ 6.4/kWh
- Capital Recovery Period: 11 years
Project Benefits
- Energy Sales from the project will play a crucial role in meeting Nepal’s energy demand.
- The project will contribute to downstream flood reduction and increase dry-season flows in rivers downstream, benefiting the Naranyani River at Devghat and the Gandak Barrage.
Manpower Requirements
- Foreign Workers: 300
- Skilled Labor: 570
- Semi-Skilled Labor: 1,140
- Unskilled Labor: 3,990
- Total: 6,000 persons
Budhigandaki Hydropower at a Glance
- Installed Capacity: 1,200 MW
- Annual Energy Generation: 3,383 GWh
- Dam Height: 263 meters
Team Contacts:
- Suresh Acharya – Chairperson (Tel.: 4211516)
- Madhu Prasad Bhetuwal – CEO (Tel.: 9841349563 | Email: bhetuwal@yahoo.com)
- Bhoj Raj Paudel – Head of Finance (Tel.: 9841409111)
Project Summary Chart:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Installed Capacity | 1,200 MW |
| Annual Energy Generation | 3,383 GWh |
| Dam Height | 263 meters |
| Reservoir Capacity (FSL) | 4,467 Mm³ |
| Catchment Area | 5,000 km² |
| Spillway Capacity (PMF) | 9,800 m³/s |
| Transmission Line Voltage | 400 kV |
| Project Capital Cost | $2.593 billion USD |
| Economic Internal Rate of Return | 15.5% to 16.9% |
| Financial Internal Rate of Return | 7.0% to 8.6% |
| Manpower Required | 6,000 persons |
The Budhigandaki Hydropower Project is poised to make a significant contribution to Nepal’s energy sector, leveraging the vast hydrological potential of the Budhigandaki River to generate clean energy and support the country’s economic development. With an installed capacity of 1,200 MW, the project will be a cornerstone of Nepal’s hydropower infrastructure