Overview

The Kulekhani I Hydropower Project is Nepal’s first and only reservoir-based hydropower plant, located in the Makwanpur District, about 50 km southwest of Kathmandu. Unlike Nepal’s typical run-of-the-river plants, Kulekhani I uses a storage reservoir, making it uniquely valuable for energy supply during peak demand periods and dry seasons.

• Installed Capacity: 60 MW

• Commissioned: 1982

• Project Type: Storage-type hydropower (reservoir-based)

• Reservoir: Indra Sarovar (Kulekhani Reservoir)

• Owner/Operator: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)

Key Features

• Location: Kulekhani, Makwanpur District

• Reservoir Name: Indra Sarovar, the largest man-made lake in Nepal

• Turbines: 2 x 30 MW Pelton-type

• Water Head: ~550 meters (high-head plant)

• Headrace Tunnel: Approx. 5.8 km

• Annual Energy Generation: ~165 GWh (but can vary significantly)

Project Significance

1. Strategic Storage System

Kulekhani I is the only plant in Nepal with a water storage reservoir, making it essential during:

• Dry seasons when river flow is low

• Peak-hour electricity demands

• Emergency outages of other plants

2. Energy Stability and Load Management

It plays a vital role in grid balancing, particularly when solar and run-of-the-river plants underperform.

3. Foundational Infrastructure

Kulekhani I laid the groundwork for:

• Kulekhani II (32 MW) – cascade project

• Kulekhani III (14 MW) – under completion as of 2025
  All three projects use the same water sequentially to maximize efficiency.

Technical Specifications

Historical and Development Background

• Built with support from the World Bank, Japan’s OECF, and other international donors.

• Commissioned in 1982, it was Nepal’s first large-scale hydropower facility designed with peaking capability.

• The project took nearly a decade to complete, involving complex engineering due to its hilly terrain and seismic zone location.

Environmental and Social Impact

• Indra Sarovar Reservoir has become a popular tourist destination, offering boating and scenic views.

• Minor resettlement occurred during construction, with support provided to affected households.

• Sedimentation is managed carefully to extend reservoir lifespan.

Challenges

• Siltation: Over time, sediment buildup in the reservoir has reduced storage volume.

• Mechanical Aging: Being over four decades old, parts of the facility require upgrades and modernization.

• Dependence on Rainfall: Limited inflow during weak monsoons can reduce storage and energy output.

Interesting Facts

• Indra Sarovar is not only functional but also a major eco-tourism spot, attracting domestic travelers for boating and picnics.

• Kulekhani I uses a high-head Pelton turbine system, efficient for mountainous topography.

• It is manually controlled, but NEA is planning automation and SCADA upgrades in coming years.

Future Prospects

• Turbine modernization is being explored to increase efficiency.

• Integrated reservoir management between Kulekhani I, II, and III is being improved for better seasonal planning.

• Considerations for floating solar power on the reservoir surface are being studied to enhance energy mix.

Conclusion

The Kulekhani I Hydropower Project is a national asset, offering flexibility, reliability, and strategic backup in Nepal’s largely river-run power grid. As climate change creates more variability in river flow, reservoir-based projects like Kulekhani will become increasingly important in ensuring energy security and grid stability.