Local News Nepal
12/04/2024: Likhu Cluster projects in Nepal all in commercial operation
We are very excited to inform you about the commissioning of the Likhu-1 project (77.1 MW) located in Solukhambu district in Nepal.
Our esteemed client, M/s. M. V. Dugar Group had placed trust in ANDRITZ and awarded the contract for the hydro-mechanical and complete electromechanical works for the Likhu Cluster of projects encompassing Likhu-1, Likhu-2, and Likhu-A in February 2019. All three projects with a combined capacity of 162 MW have now been successfully commissioned and the units are in commercial operation!
The Likhu-1 project was wet commissioned within 14 days in Q1/ 2024 with the support of our client. The site conditions prevalent at the project vicinity were challenging. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic had posed severe challenges, but to overcome these challenges successfully thanks to the commitment and determination of our project site team.
While it is pertinent to mention the overwhelming support of our client without which we would not have come this far, it is also noteworthy to give a special note of appreciation and recognition to our very capable execution team, the field services team, and our automation team, who worked tirelessly to meet our client’s goals despite the cascade of obstacles we faced during the execution phase.
With the commissioning of these projects, ANDRITZ has further consolidated its contribution to the national grid of Nepal!
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07/03/2024: Resilience rewarded: ANDRITZ overcomes adversity to near completion of 102 MW Hydropower project in Nepal!
Amidst fierce international competition, ANDRITZ clinched the contract for the electromechanical works of the 102 MW Middle Bhotekoshi project in mid-2014, awarded by Madhya Bhotekoshi Jalavidyut Company Limited (MBJCL), a subsidiary of Chilime Hydropower Company Limited.
However, nature had its own agenda, throwing formidable challenges at the project: a devastating earthquake in April 2015, construction delays, and floods at the project site in July 2020, amidst the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these formidable hurdles, our team prioritized restoration efforts with unwavering dedication.
Upon the resumption of work in August 2021, our project team diligently worked to successfully complete the dry commissioning of the installed equipment. Seamless coordination between teams based in India and at the site ensured timely resolution of issues and challenges. Regular client interactions ensured their expectations were met and requirements addressed.
The project is poised for commissioning later this year, pending the availability of water and readiness of transmission lines post the completion of wet commissioning trials. Upon commissioning, it is projected to generate approximately 542 million units of electricity annually, bolstering the Nepal national grid.
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01/03/2024: ANDRITZ and ChesCo Lead Innovation in Kathmandu Workshop
ANDRITZ in collaboration with ChesCo, had orchestrated a workshop on 6th February 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal with resounding success.
We were pleased to have in our midst, esteemed guests from Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), its subsidiaries, Chilime and our valuable private sector clients. In the workshop, we presented our comprehensive services and digital technologies focusing on renovation, modernization, and O&M of hydropower projects.
Mr. Kul Man Ghising, Managing Director of NEA, served as the Chief Guest during the event. His valuable insights shed light on how this collaboration could significantly impact the regional market dynamics. The ANDRITZ-ChesCo collaboration received a special request to provide plant-specific O&M services for critical plants and contribute to the development of NEA’s maintenance workshop.
With the successful culmination of this workshop, ANDRITZ would like to extend its gratitude to each involved towards the workshop's success.
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31/10/2023: Kulekhani I & II, Nepal – Important automation technology contract
We are thrilled to announce that ANDRITZ has recently inked a contract with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to enhance the control and protection systems for the Kulekhani I (60 MW) and Kulekhani II (32 MW) projects.
As part of this agreement, ANDRITZ will deliver cutting-edge SCADA systems, comprehensive protection systems, vibration monitoring systems, essential spare parts, and...
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25/10/2023: Customer appreciation letter for exemplary services in India
Why delivering exceptional services is our utmost priority at ANDRITZ - We place an unparalleled emphasis on delivering top-tier services. Our commitment to project site activities is a cornerstone in attaining the project's scheduled objectives. Our success hinges on the meticulous handling of every aspect, including timely deliveries, swift troubleshooting, and unwavering dedication to health, safety, and our promises – principles that underpin our client interactions.
A testament to our unwavering dedication occurred a few months ago when our esteemed client, M/s. JSW, encountered an unforeseen turbine breakdown within the Karcham Wangtoo project. Swift action was imperative, and our Kutehr project site engineers rose to the...
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16/10/2023: Memorandum of Understanding for O&M services in Nepal
ANDRITZ is excited to announce a significant milestone in our journey. We have recently formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chilime Engineering and Services Company Ltd., Nepal (ChesCo), marking the beginning of an exciting collaboration in the field of hydropower plant operation and maintenance services (O&M).
The main objective of this MoU is to foster a collaborative environment where both parties can explore and capitalize on O&M opportunities, beyond the geographical boundaries of Nepal. Under this agreement, both organizations will share responsibility for identifying potential markets and selecting suitable projects.
This partnership fits seamlessly with our strategic objectives and underscores the trust and confidence that Chilime Engineering and Services Company Ltd. has in our expertise. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and to our unwavering dedication to expanding our presence in the operation and maintenance services sector.
We look forward to working with Chilime Engineering and Services Company Ltd. and look eagerly forward to the many business opportunities.
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27/07/2023: Nepal, Middle Bhotekoshi – Installation milestone achieved
The Middle Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project in Nepal showcases the remarkable dedication and enthusiasm of the ANDRITZ team.
Within a span of less than two months, they successfully lowered three turbine runners, generator stators, and rotors at the Middle Bhotekoshi hydroelectric project site. Currently, the team is diligently carrying out the final assembly works on all three units, with a target of commissioning the project by September 2023, dependent on water availability and the readiness of the power evacuation system.
Initially awarded to ANDRITZ Hydro India in 2014, the project encountered various challenges, including the devastating earthquake in April 2015, construction delays, and floods at the project site in 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring minimal disruption, the retrieval, restoration, and resupply of flood-impacted goods and equipment were of utmost importance to maintain the project's timeline.
The project resumed in August 2021, and since then, the project team has exhibited unwavering commitment to expedite the plant's readiness and systems, effectively reducing the completion timeframe from mid-2024 to 2023.
Upon its completion, the Middle Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project will contribute approximately 542 GWh of electricity annually to the Nepal grid. It adds another feather to ANDRITZ’cap!
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01/06/2023: Likhu 1 HEP, Nepal – Penstock installation milestone
ANDRITZ is one of the market leaders with high technical expertise in on-site penstock fabrications works through its innovative state-of-the-art engineering solutions.
In general practise for penstock installations, a length of 2.5m ferrule is doubled to a 5m length ferrule for lowering into an inclined shaft in a tunnel having confined spaces. The radius of the upper bend in the inclined shaft is excavated such that it accommodates the 5m length ferrule for lowering.
However, in Likhu 1 project, due to specific requirements of the client to accelerate and shorten the project schedule, ANDRITZ innovated a customised solution to fulfil this requirement without interfering with the current excavated radius by designing an installation trolley at site. Another complex solution involved 5m length ferrules being doubled to 10m long ferrules with a weight of 16 tons each in the penstock protection valve chamber area, which itself has a limited space. To handle this large segment, the engineers then designed a special power winch and diversion pulleys to make the installation of 10m long ferrules seamless.
ANDRITZ has also proven its expertise in typical terrains in the Himalayas where it assisted the client to overcome difficulties in the Upper Tamakoshi project.
With an experience of over 70 years in hydromechanical works, ANDRITZ has once again employed its expertise and engineering prowess and proved itself as the ideal solution provider for complex hydromechanical works while always aligning itself with its esteemed clients.
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24/05/2023: Kalanga Gad, Upper Kalanga Gad, Nepal – Connected to the grid
Kalanga Hydro Limited and Sani Gad Hydro Ltd. (both under the same group) awarded ANDRITZ a cluster project in September 2017, including the Upper Sani Gad project in Bajhang district, Nepal.
Recently, ANDRITZ commissioned Kalanga Gad (2 x 7.6 MW, HF) and Upper Kalanga (3 x 12.82 MW, PV3) and connected them to the national grid in January 2023. These projects will improve the electrification of this region in Bajhang district and benefit the local population. They have been connected to the Balanch sub-station located in Dadeldhura district.
Higher officials from the National Electricity Authority have visited the site to witness the performance of the units recently and expressed their great appreciation. With the commissioning of these two projects, ANDRITZ has once again contributed to Nepal's energy supply and is proud to be involved in this project.
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03/05/2023: Upper Dordi A HEP, Nepal – Successful commissioning
We are indeed glad to share the news of the successful commissioning and handing over of both units of Upper Dordi A project (2x12.5 MW) in Nepal in November 2022 to our esteemed customer, Liberty Energy Co. Ltd.
29/03/2023: Middle Bhotekoshi, Nepal – Installation milestone reached
We are pleased to announce that on March 14, 2023, we reached an important milestone by lowering the generator stator of Unit 1 of the Middle Bhotekoshi hydropower project in Nepal.
07/11 2022: Likhu-2 HEP, Nepal – Hydraulic steel works ongoing
ANDRITZ was selected by MV Dugar Group, Nepal in 2019 to supply the complete hydraulic steel structures including gates, penstocks and hoist along complete electro-mechanical works for the Likhu-2 hydro project located in Nepal.
With Covid-19 on the rise at that time and restricted travel conditions, the gates were still shipped from India while all penstock fabrication works were done at site and installed simultaneously by our competent P&G team.
Seen here is the complete trifurcation joint that was fabricated at our location in India and welded at site and connected to the powerhouse despite challenging site accessibility and working conditions.
ANDRITZ has done commendable work and would like to thank its dedicated and competent team from India, who have worked round-the-clock work to assist the client in their target to commission the project as soon as possible.
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21/09 2022: ANDRITZ participates in International Hydropower Conference in Nepal
On September 12th to 13th, 2022, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, was the host to the high-ranking international hydropower conference „Building Back Better and Greener with Sustainable Hydropower”.
Organized by the Nepal Hydropower Association (NHA), in collaboration with the International Hydropower Association (IHA), the conference focus was to promote consumption of hydropower and green energy to replace use of fossil fuels, a topic ever more important as the whole region is increasingly struggling with the impacts of climate change.
Arun Rajauria, general secretary of the NHA, pointed out “There is no other alternative than green energy, for which hydropower is the first and the final source. As Nepal has immense potential for hydropower, we are organizing the conference to draw the attention of global investors“. The conference was bringing key actors of the hydropower market, renewable energy sector such as the Government of Nepal, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), donor organizations, NGOs, consulting firms, contractors, and manufacturers together to discuss policies, regulations, technological advancements, and the best practices from around the globe.
The conference was conducting five sessions including the inauguration and final sessions. Several sessions on policies related to hydropower and open regional hydropower trades, issues of hydropower standards, and private sector investments a completing the topics.
It was an honor for ANDRITZ to participate in this conference as a Gold Sponsor. As part of a panel discussion, Senior Vice President of ANDRITZ Hydro, Mr. Alexander Schwab, gave a presentation titled „The Future of Hydropower“, presenting the perspectives of hydropower as a green, clean and sustainable energy source in the context of the current climate crisis.
ANDRITZ has been a significant contributor to the Nepalese hydropower sector for many years. Over the last three decades almost 1,600 MW of electricity generation capacity has been commissioned or is in development, including HPP Upper Tamakoshi (456 MW), the largest hydropower plant entirely financed from the Nepalese domestic financial institutions and companies.
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25/08 2022: Likhu 2 HEP, Nepal - Important installation milestone reached
Global Hydro Power Associate has entrusted ANDRITZ with the complete hydromechanical and electro-mechanical works in 2019.
© Global Hydropower Pvt. Ltd.
Recently on 2 August 2022, we have successfully lowered the rotor and subsequently on 8 August the stator for unit 2 was lowered.
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29/06 2022: Middle Bhotekoshi, Nepal – Successful pressure test of spiral case
On June 14, 2022, the pressure test of unit 1 spiral case of Middle Bhotekoshi project in Nepal was successfully completed.
Commendable efforts were undertaken by the site team for performing the pressure test, which was conducted at 48.3 bar, successfully with the existing challenges of the project.
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March 2022: ANDRITZ to supply hydro- and electro-mechanical equipment for Upper Trishuli 1, Nepal
International technology group ANDRITZ received an order from Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Ltd., for the supply of the hydro- and electro-mechanical equipment for the 216 MW Upper Trishuli 1, a run-of-river hydropower plant in Nepal, owned by Nepal Water & Energy Development Company Pvt. Ltd.
Upon completion, which is scheduled for 2026, Upper Trishuli 1 is expected to generate up to 1,456 GWh of electricity per year and thus increasing the country’s total power generation by about 20%.
ANDRITZ’s scope of supply for the hydro-mechanical works includes design, engineering, manufacturing, transportation, installation, testing, and commissioning of radial gates, vertical gates, hoists, stop logs, and penstocks. The order for the electro-mechanical works comprises basic and detailed design of the turbine and generator components, complete electrical power systems, balance of plant and automation, installation, and commission.
The works will be undertaken by the Indian hydro subsidiaries of ANDRITZ. This contract represents the first large-scale order for ANDRITZ in Nepal covering a hydro- and an electro-mechanical scope in one contract. By securing this prestigious contract, ANDRITZ continues to retain its leading position as a preferred “from water-to-wire” technology provider in the hydropower market in Nepal.
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October 2021: Upper Tamakoshi, Nepal – Final unit connected to the grid
End of August 2021, the sixth and last unit of the largest hydropower plant in Nepal was successfully connected to the National grid, thus marking the final milestone of an important and prestigious project that took in total nine years of work until completion. Already in July 2021, Nepal’s Prime Minister inaugurated the Upper Tamakoshi project.
Back in 2012, ANDRITZ received from Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Ltd. (UTKHPL) a contract for the supply of the entire electro-mechanical equipment for the Upper Tamakoshi hydropower plant on the Tamakoshi River.
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July 2021: HPP Upper Tamakoshi, Nepal - Official inauguration by Prime Minister of Nepal
On July 5, 2021, Nepal’s Prime Minister inaugurated the Upper Tamakoshi project, a project of immense national pride.
© Permission granted by the customer
The first unit has started generating 76 MW and has been connected to Nepal’s national grid. On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Mr. Bishnu Prasad Paudel, said that this would contribute 1% of the country’s gross domestic product. A total of six units will be synchronised to the grid in due course.
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April 2021: HPP Upper Tamakoshi, Nepal - Successful pressure test of penstock
In February 2021, the pressure test of the lower horizontal penstock for the Upper Tamakoshi hydropower plant in Nepal was successfully completed to the utmost satisfaction of the customer.
A penstock portion of 377 m length along with six bifurcators and branch pipes was subjected to 115.1 bar for 30 minutes with water volume of 1.4 million cubic meters. The complete test was conducted over a period of 10 hours. It is worthwhile to mention that the entire lower vertical and horizontal penstock was 100% weld repaired on-site and the bifurcators were repaired, modified, and aligned also on-site.
The penstock of Upper Tamakoshi HEP is designed for a water pressure of 905 meters, the diameter is varying from 1.47 meters to 3.6 meters with two vertical and two horizontal shafts. The upper vertical shaft has a depth of 310 meters and the lower vertical shall has a depth of 370 meters.
After the successful supply, installation and dry commissioning of the entire electro-mechanical equipment for the Upper Tamakoshi hydropower plant, ANDRITZ also received the contract to take over the refurbishment and commissioning of the gantry crane, 100% weld replacement of already supplied pipes by another contractor and installation of lower vertical and horizontal penstock.
The work was very challenging considering the quality issues of the preliminary delivered equipment and the difficult site conditions. However, the on-site team from ANDRITZ Hydro did an excellent job to not only execute this additional order in time and with top-tier quality, but also to strengthen the confidence of the client in the work of ANDRITZ.
This order once again underlines ANDRITZ' strong market position in Nepal as one of the leading suppliers of equipment and services to the HYDRO industry as well as highlighting the company's expertise in project execution and project management.
Upper Tamakoshi is the largest hydropower plant in Nepal with an underground powerhouse. It has a total capacity of 456 MW to meet the country’s growing power demand.
Technical Details:
Total output: 456 MW
Penstock length: 760 meters.
Penstock diameter: 1.47 to 3.6 meters
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January 2021: HPP Sanjen Khola, Nepal - Contract for supply of Pelton units in Nepal
ANDRITZ has received an order for the Sanjen Khola hydropower plant, located in Bagmati District Rasuwa City, North of Katmandu, North Central of Nepal on Dec. 18th, 2020 in Zhengzhou, China. The scope includes the supply of three 26 MW Pelton turbines and governors. Currently, Sanjen Khola is the second hydropower constructed by our client in Nepal.
Under the context of the Belt and Road Initiative, the project was facilitated by the new bilateral partnership between Nepal and China. This project is part of the China–Nepal Economic Corridor's, Road and Belt program. The EPC contract was signed between China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) and Sinohydro Bureau No.11(SH. No.11) already in 2018. ANDRITZ has now signed the contract for the supply of three 26 MW Pelton turbines and governors, operating with a water head of 952 m. Commissioning and start of commercial operation is scheduled for July 2023.
The order is an important further step to intensify our cooperation with Sinohydro and to consolidate our market leadership in Pelton turbine technology.
The project is developed by CHEC with BOOT mode in four years’ construction duration and thirty years’ operation cycle. The hydropower plant will be developed as a run-of-river power station with a normal water storage level of 3,391 m and a total installed capacity of 78 MW. Average annual electricity production is 412.7 GWh. After completion, Sanjen Khola will greatly address the long-standing issue of power shortage and improve the living standard of people in Nepal.
ANDRITZ has supplied more than 1,300 Pelton turbines with a total capacity of approx. 65,000 MW worldwide. Award of this contract is further proof of ANDRITZ’s leading position for Pelton technology in the important region of Asia.
Technical Details:
Total output: 78 MW
Scope output: 3 x 26 MW
Head: 952 m
Speed: 750 rpm
Runner diameter: 1,710 mm
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January 2021: ANDRITZ to supply complete electro-mechanical equipment for the Karuwa Seti hydropower plant, Nepal
International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from KC Group Nepal to supply turbines, generators and auxiliaries for the new Karuwa Seti hydropower plant. The small hydropower plant is located on the Seti Khola River in the Gandaki Zone’s Kaski District and will have a total installed capacity of 32 MW. Start-up is planned for March 2023.