95% of Lower Solukhola Hydropower Project Completed.

The Lower Solukhola Hydropower Project, developed by Lower Solu Hydropower Company, is close to completion with 95% of the physical work already done. The project is located in Tingla, Solukhumbu, and has a capacity of 82 megawatts. Some of the completed work under 95% includes the construction of the powerhouse, tunnel, and the installation of turbines and generators. 

According to the company manager, Dharmendra Gotame, the project is expected to start producing electricity by July as the penstock tunnel will be completed soon, and the transmission work is already 80% complete. The project started in September 2016 and is expected to be fully completed by September 2025. The project received a loan of Rs. 16 billion from the European Bank (International Funding Agency) including FMO. 

The project is based on a reservoir located in the Salme area of Solukhumbu. Water from the reservoir will flow through a tunnel to the powerhouse in Bhadaure, Tingla, which is about 6 km away. Due to the challenging landscape and the long tunnel, the project has become more expensive. Around 700 workers, along with local residents, are working to complete the project. 

Once completed, the Solukhola hydropower project will provide 23 megawatts of electricity to the national grid during the winter and 82 megawatts in the rainy season.