KATHMANDU, March 27: Butwal Power Company (BPC) Limited has formally started work of two hydropower projects -- Kabeli 'A' Hydroelectric Project (37.6) located on the Kabeli River and Nyadi Hydropower Project (30 MW) located on the Nyadi River.
The company, one of the oldest power companies in Nepal, organized groundbreaking event for the projects in Kathmandu on Saturday on the occasion of its golden jubilee. The BPC, which was started as a private company, converted into a public limited company in 2049 BS.
Both the projects are expected to come into operation in 2020.
Energy Minister Janardan Sharma inaugurated the groundbreaking works amid a function in Kathmandu.
BPC is building Kabeli 'A' in partnership with InfraCo Asia -- company based in Singapore. The project site is located on the border of Taplejung and Panchthar districts. Similarly, it is partnering with Lamjung Electricity Development Company to build Nyadi Hydropower Project which is located in Lamjung district.
Speaking on the occasion, Padam Jyoti, the chairperson of BPC, said that the company was building the two projects under engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to minimize overall ricks.
The two projects will add a combined 374 gigawatts of energy to the national grid annually from the end of 2020.
Jyoti also said that the BPC was also mulling over building Lower Manang Marsyangdi Project (100 MW).
The BPC has been operating Jhimruk Power Plant (12 MW) and Andhikhola Power Plant (9.4 MW).
Besides, it has also been providing electricity to more than 50,000 households in Syangja, Palpa, Pyuthan and Arghakhanchi districts of western Nepal through its own distribution system. Similarly, it also has stakes in Himal Power Limited which has been operating Khimti -I Hydropower Project (60MW). The project was built in partnership with Statkraft, a leading company in renewable energy based in Norway.
Similarly, BPC has also built Khudi Hydropower Project (4MW) in partnership with SCP Hydro - a Canadian firm.
