Overview

The Chilime Hydropower Project is a run-of-the-river (RoR) hydroelectric plant located in the Rasuwa District of northern Nepal. Built on the Chilime River, a tributary of the Trishuli River, this project is widely celebrated for being one of Nepal’s first profit-sharing hydropower ventures with local communities. It has become a benchmark for public-private partnership and sustainable hydropower development in the Himalayan region.

• Installed Capacity: 22.1 MW

• Commissioned: 2003

• Project Type: Run-of-the-river

• River: Chilime River

• Owner: Chilime Hydropower Company Ltd. (subsidiary of NEA)

Key Features

• Location: Syafrubesi, Rasuwa District, near the Langtang National Park

• Hydraulic Head: ~351 meters

• Turbines: 2 x 11.05 MW Pelton-type turbines

• Annual Generation: Approx. 132 GWh

• Transmission Line: 66 kV line to Trishuli 3B hub

Project Significance

1. Community Shareholding Model

One of the most innovative features of the Chilime Project is its profit-sharing model, where:

• 10% of project shares were allocated to the local people of Rasuwa

• Public shareholding was made available through IPOs This inclusive approach has empowered locals through ownership and dividend income.

2. 100% Nepali Financing

The project was entirely financed by domestic sources, including:

• Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)

• Employees Provident Fund (EPF)

• Nepalese citizens (via IPO)

• Local communities

3. Highly Profitable and Well-Managed

Chilime is one of the most financially successful hydropower projects in Nepal. Its model is now replicated in several other community-focused projects across the country.

Technical Specifications

Environmental and Social Benefits

• Minimal Environmental Impact: No large reservoir, preserving the ecological integrity of the Langtang region.

• Community Development: Revenue has been used to fund local schools, health posts, and road improvements.

• Local Employment: Many locals were hired during construction and continue to be employed for operation and maintenance.

Challenges

• Remoteness: Rasuwa’s mountainous terrain posed logistical and engineering difficulties.

• Natural Hazards: Prone to landslides and flooding, especially during the monsoon season.

• Grid Limitation: Transmission capacity initially restricted energy evacuation, later resolved by upgrades.

Interesting Facts

• Chilime Hydropower Company Ltd. (CHPCL) was later transformed into a major developer with investments in other projects like Sanjen, Upper Sanjen, and Mato Pokhari.

• It was one of the first hydropower companies in Nepal to list on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE).

• The project site lies near Syafrubesi, a gateway to Langtang Valley trekking route, making it a potential model for eco-tourism synergy.

Legacy and Replication

The Chilime model has inspired several community-inclusive hydropower projects, including:

• Sanjen Hydropower Projects (Rasuwa)

• Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project

• Upper Trishuli-1 and 3B

NEA and local governments now frequently consult the Chilime blueprint when developing socially equitable energy projects.

Conclusion

The Chilime Hydropower Project is more than just an electricity generator—it is a model of inclusive development, economic empowerment, and national self-reliance. With its combination of community ownership, domestic financing, and successful execution, Chilime stands as a proud example of how hydropower can transform not just landscapes, but lives.