Solukhumbu, July 26: The 82 MW Lower Solu Hydropower Project, located in the hilly district of Solukhumbu, has been successfully connected to the national transmission line, marking a significant milestone for Nepal’s private power sector.

Constructed at Solukhola, the project is now linked to the national grid via the 132 kV double-circuit transmission line of the Solu Corridor through the Tingla substation.

Promoted by Solu Hydropower Limited and built with private investment, the project began test electricity generation on August 20 from its first unit. According to Assistant Manager Krishna Bahadur Chaudhary, both of the project’s 41 MW Pelton turbines have been tested and connected to the grid. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will conduct additional testing over the next 15 days before granting final approval for full commercial operation.

A dam at Salme, bordering Solududhkunda Municipality-7 and 11, diverts water through a five-kilometer tunnel to an underground powerhouse at Bhadaure of Tinla. Despite facing geographic and technical hurdles—including a major landslide that damaged penstocks and required reconstruction—the project was completed two months ahead of its original September 2025 deadline.

The Rs 16 billion project was financed by multiple European banks including FMO, highlighting successful private-public and international collaboration. During winter, it is expected to generate 23 MW, peaking at 82 MW during the monsoon.

The Lower Solu project is part of Nepal’s ‘Super Six’ initiative and is now the country’s second-largest privately funded hydropower plant, following the already-operational 86 MW Solu Dudh Koshi project.