Mid-Marsyangdi adds to power woes

PREM KUMARI GHALE

LAMJUNG, March 25 - The 70-MW Mid-Marshyangdi Hydroelectric Project (MMHEP), the country's second biggest power project, is generating just 20 MW due to a receding discharge in the Marsyangdi River.

Project manager Sunil Dhungel said water level in the river was receding for want of rain. "Due to low water level, the MMHEP is generating about 30 MW during peak hours and 20 MW during normal hours," said he. Earlier, the project used to generate 42 MW during peak hours (6 pm to 9 pm) and 35 MW during normal hours, according to Dhungel.

There are two turbines, each with a capacity of 35 MW. The MMHEP started generating power from Dec. 14, 2008. Only one out of the two turbines is operating in full capacity at present. "Though we had expected to run both turbines to generate 70 MW by the last week of Febraury, we could not do so due to a significant decrease in water level," said the project manager.

Posted on: 2009-03-25 09:43:37 (Server Time)
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