Report on micro hydro project (abstract to findings)

                        MEMORANDUM

To      : Executive Director, Alternative Energy Promotion
Centre, Lalitpur
From    : Er. Dipak Sunuwar, Project Manager
Date    : 20 December 2026
Subject : Final report: Micro-hydro Power Production
Plant, Tharpu, Sindhupalchok

Abstract

This report presents the work and results of the 60 kW micro-hydro power plant at Tharpu, a remote village in Sindhupalchok. The plant was built from January to December 2026 to supply electricity to 250 households, two schools and a health post, which earlier had no electricity. It was finished within the 12-month plan, despite a one-month delay in the turbine supply, at a cost of Rs. 1.75 crore. The plant has been tested for two weeks and gives stable power, and all households are connected. The report covers the introduction, methodology and findings, and outlines the remaining parts.

Introduction

Tharpu lies six hours' walk from the nearest road head, and its people used kerosene lamps and small solar lights of limited capacity. The project was launched to provide clean power for lighting, communication, schools and small enterprises. It was funded by the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (60 percent), the local government (25 percent) and the community (15 percent, in labour and cash). The objectives were to build a reliable plant, train local people to operate it, and set up a users' committee.

Methodology

1. Feasibility study: measurement of the stream flow (0.12 m³/s) and head (70 m), and a household survey.
2. Design: headworks, a 1,000 m canal, a forebay, a penstock, a Pelton turbine with a 60 kW generator, and an 11 kV/0.4 kV distribution line.
3. Construction: done by a contractor, with the villagers providing unskilled labour. Materials were carried by porters and mules.
4. Quality control: weekly site inspections, tests of concrete and pipes, and checking of the line.
5. Training: six operators and a manager were trained, and the Users' Committee was formed.
6. Testing and handover: load tests and a trial run before handing the plant over to the committee.

Findings

• The plant produces 52 kW on average, and the output meets the present demand with a 15 percent margin.
• The cost per kW was Rs. 2.9 lakhs, within the typical range for this type of plant.
• Villagers gave 3,200 person-days of labour, saving about Rs. 8 lakhs.
• Three small businesses (a flour mill, a carpentry shop and a tailoring shop) have already started using electricity.
• Delays: monsoon landslides on the trail delayed the supply of the turbine by one month.

Outline of the remaining parts

1. Discussion (technical, economic and social benefits)
2. Conclusion
3. Recommendations (tariff, maintenance fund and operator training)
4. References
5. Appendices (drawings, bill of quantities, test results and photographs)