Government prioritising large hydropower projects: Energy Minister

Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka has said the construction of large and reservoir-based hydropower projects is a priority for the government.

Responding to questions raised regarding the Ministry of Energy under the ‘Appropriation Bill-2082’ in today’s meeting of the National Assembly, Energy Minister Khadka said that the government shall work to realize its annual policy and program to mobilize investment and advance construction in projects including Karnali, Upper Karnali, Bheri, Jagadulla.

The proposed Mugu Karnali Reservoir Hydropower Project will be completed to benefit Bajura district of Sudurpaschim Province and Kalikot, Humla, Jumla and Mugu districts of Karnali Province. The Budhigandaki Hydropower Project will be taken forward on a public-private partnership basis.

He also said the provision related to purchasing electricity has been amended in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year under the ‘take and pay’ concept.

Minister Khadka said that the Ministry of Energy is coordinating with the Ministry of Finance, Nepal Electricity Authority, Department of Power Development and other relevant agencies to reconstruct the hydropower projects damaged due to rain–induced floods last year.

On the Kaligandaki-Tinau diversion multipurpose project, he said that the work of environmental impact assessment has been taken forward with priority after the final directive order of the Supreme Court.

On a different note, the Energy Minister said that power cuts have been required from time to time in the course of load management due to excess electricity flow from the transmission line. Power cuts are only being made due to technical reasons including transmission outages and a result of winds, lightning etc.