Overview

The Dordi Khola Hydropower Project is a run-of-the-river (RoR) hydroelectric project situated on the Dordi River, a tributary of the Marsyangdi River in the Lamjung District of central Nepal. Developed by private sector players under Nepal’s Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, this project taps into the rich hydro potential of the Marsyangdi basin—a key energy corridor of the country.

• Installed Capacity: 27 MW

• River: Dordi Khola (Dordi River)

• Type: Run-of-the-river

• Project Status: Under construction / Near commissioning (status may vary; verify with latest updates)

• Developer: Dordi Khola Jalvidyut Company Ltd.

Key Features

• Location: Dordi Gaupalika, Lamjung District, Province Gandaki

• Gross Head: ~540 meters (high-head project)

• Design Discharge: Approx. 6 m³/s

• Turbines: 2 x 13.5 MW Pelton-type turbines

• Transmission Line: 132 kV line to Middle Marsyangdi hub

• Annual Generation: Estimated ~148 GWh

Strategic Significance

1. Part of Marsyangdi Energy Corridor

The Dordi River is a right-bank tributary of the Marsyangdi River, an area known for dense hydropower development including:

• Middle Marsyangdi (70 MW)

• Marsyangdi (69 MW)

• Upper Marsyangdi A (50 MW)

• Dordi-1, Super Dordi, and Upper Dordi projects (various IPPs)

This clustering allows for shared infrastructure, efficient transmission, and optimized river flow use.

2. Private Investment and Local Involvement

• Developed under a BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) model

• Funded by domestic banks and private shareholders

• Promotes local ownership and job creation in Lamjung

Technical Details

Environmental and Social Impact

• Minimal Environmental Footprint: Being RoR, no large reservoir or flooding

• EIA Approved: Environmental Impact Assessment has been conducted and mitigation measures implemented

• Rural Development: Project contributed to infrastructure development like rural roads and electricity access in nearby villages

Challenges

• Construction Delays: Earthquake recovery, monsoon disruptions, and the COVID-19 pandemic caused setbacks

• Transmission Capacity: Coordination with NEA for timely grid connection remains critical

• Remote Terrain: Logistics in mountainous areas increases development costs

Future Prospects

• Potential integration into the Marsyangdi cascade system

• Opportunity to share control systems and monitoring with nearby projects

• Possible expansion of capacity through coordinated upgrades

Interesting Facts

• The Dordi River region supports a cluster of more than six IPP-led hydropower projects, making it a hydropower hotspot in central Nepal.

• The river flow is glacier-fed and snowmelt-driven, offering consistent discharge in the post-monsoon season.

• Lamjung District is emerging as Nepal’s next energy hub after Dolakha and Rasuwa.

Conclusion

The Dordi Khola Hydropower Project is a valuable addition to Nepal’s expanding hydroelectric portfolio. Strategically placed in the energy-rich Marsyangdi basin and backed by private investment, it reflects the future of Nepal’s power sector—decentralized, sustainable, and community-inclusive. As the nation moves toward energy independence and export potential, projects like Dordi Khola will be instrumental in lighting the way.