Deluge causes loss of 1,100 MW of electricity

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 2: This year's recent floods and landslides have taken a huge toll on electricity production. At least 1,100 MW of hydroelectric power has been disrupted due to obstructions in production and transmission. The transmission lines and distribution systems of hydropower projects have become complicated, with the capacity of stalled projects estimated to be equivalent to 650 MW.

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) stated that meeting demand would be challenging as most power stations were closed due to the disaster-triggered emergency. According to preliminary reports from the Ministry of Energy, incessant rain has caused floods and landslides that damaged 36 projects with a power generation capacity of 1,100 MW.

The Kabeli Corridor projects, which meet the energy demand of eastern Nepal, were also affected by the floods and landslides. Approximately 200 MW of electricity has been lost due to damage to three transmission line towers. Similarly, a tower of the Khimti-Lamosangu transmission line, which supplies electricity from the Tamakoshi Corridor to Kathmandu, was washed away by the Tamakoshi River, resulting in a loss of 200 MW due to complications in the transmission line.

The Khimti-Dhalkebar project generated a 220 kV tower, while a tower of the Bardaghat-Sardi 132 kV double circuit transmission line collapsed due to the incessant rain. According to the NEA, the transmission line tower collapsed along with the road at Bardaghat Municipality-5, Khursani Khola in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) along the East-West Highway.

The power supply for Hongshi Shivam Cement, which operates in Sardi in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) in partnership with Chinese and Nepali investors, has been shut down since Monday evening after the tower collapsed. While the closure of a hydropower project may have localized effects, issues with a transmission tower can have wider repercussions.

Kulman Ghising, Managing Director of the NEA, stated that managing demand would be a significant challenge due to the disruptions in electricity supply. The damage to access roads has hindered the transport of construction materials, further complicating the situation. This year's floods have severely impacted roads and bridges, prolonging the maintenance and construction timelines for projects. Electricity may not be available within the stipulated time as per the agreement with the NEA.

Energy Minister Deepak Khadka mentioned that necessary decisions would be made after discussions with the Ministry of Finance regarding reconstruction, the construction of access roads, and insurance. The country's energy sector has faced substantial setbacks in recent years due to floods, landslides, and heavy rains.

More than a dozen substations and other physical structures of the NEA were damaged due to incessant rainfall in 2074 BS. Additionally, floods and landslides in June 2078 BS caused damage to one and a half dozen projects. The 44 MW Super Madi, which is under construction in Kaski, suffered losses of around Rs 1 billion as the floods from the Modi River washed away equipment, including the dam site, powerhouse, workers' housing, loader excavator, penstock pipe, and coker plant.

That year's floods also troubled the Super Dordi hydropower project, and the tailrace of Rasuwagadhi was affected. The floods wreaked havoc in Melamchi during the same year. Although hydropower projects have insurance, they face challenges in receiving payments. Last year alone, insurance claims amounted to Rs 7 billion, and this year, liabilities are likely to increase.

Experts recommend improving the systems and working methods of pre-project studies, design, and pre-construction forecasting to address the issues caused by floods and landslides in the energy sector.