Nepal has awarded the Lower Arun hydropower project in Nepal to Central PSU SJVN Ltd, through the competitive bidding route.
The approval was provided by The Investment Board of Nepal in its meeting on January 29, 2021, chaired by Prime Minister of Nepal, K.P. Sharma Oli, SJVN said in a stock exchange filing.
The Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project is located in Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur Districts of Nepal. On completion the 679-mw Lower Arun hydropower will generate 3,561 million kwh of electricity per year.
Transmission Component of Arun-3
SJVN is already constructing the 900-mw Arun-3 hydropower project in Nepal and the 217-km 400kV associated transmission system.
In March 2019, The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved investment for Transmission Component of Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project (Nepal portion) for an estimated cost of Rs 1,236.13 crore at June 2017 Price level.
The approval was for investment approval of 400kV D/C Diding (in Nepal) – Bathnaha (International Border) via Dhalkebar (in Nepal) transmission line of approximately 217 km falling within the territory of Nepal to evacuate power from Arun-3 HEP (hydro electric project) in Nepal.
It may be mentioned that the Union Cabinet in its meeting held in February, 2017 had approved the investment proposal for generation component of Arun-3 HEP (900 mw) in Nepal for an estimated cost of Rs.5,723.72 crore at May 2015 price level.
5000 mw by 2023
SJVN’s present installed capacity is 2016.51 mw and aims to be a 5,000-mw company by 2023, and a 12,000-mw company by 2030. By 2040, SJVN aims to be have installed capacity of 25,000 mw. SJVN is engaged in various sectors of energy generation which includes hydro, wind, solar and thermal. The company also has presence in the field of power transmission.
(Featured photograph shows Arun River in Nepal)
