SATV Feb 27, Kathmandu: Super Kabeli Hydropower Project (12-megawatt capacity), constructed by Hilton Hydro Energy Limited, is gearing up to start electricity production. Located on the Kabeli River in Sirijanga Rural Municipality in Taplejung district, the project has completed its construction and is now undergoing internal testing.  

According to Meghnath Dhungana, the project’s communication officer, internal testing of structures such as the dam, tunnel, powerhouse, transmission line and switchyard began on last Wednesday. 

A technical team from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is expected to arrive by Thursday or Friday this week to conduct further inspections. Once the NEA team completes its assessment, the project will officially begin electricity generation.  

The powerhouse is situated at the border of Ward-6, Mamangkhe and Ward-7, Khebang of Sirijanga Rural Municipality. The electricity generated from the project will be connected to the national grid via a 132 kV substation in Amarpur, Hilihang Rural Municipality.  

The total construction cost of the project is approximately Rs. 2.14 billion, with investments from Hilton Hydro, NMB Bank Limited and Rastriya Banijya Bank. The construction begun on December 10, 2022 was completed a month ahead of the scheduled deadline of March 23, 2025.