BHEL bags contract for Nepal’s largest hydroelectric power project

State-run PSU Bharat Heavy Electric Limited has bagged an order to build the largest hydro electric power project in neighbouring Nepal. This prestigious order is a testimony to BHEL’s proven technological prowess in executing power projects of this magnitude. The order will also provide a fillip to the company’s focus on globalization as a driver for growth.

BHEL bag 900 MW hydro electric power project in Sankhuwasaba, Nepal

Amidst stiff international competition, BHEL has secured a prestigious order for executing 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project from SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC), Nepal. Notably, once completed, this will be the largest Hydropower project in Nepal. Located in the Sankhuwasabha district, this project will substantially enhance Nepal’s present installed power capacity and will contribute significantly to Nepal’s vision of utilising its vast Hydro potential for accelerated economic development.

The total contract value of Arun 3 project is pegged at Rs 536 crores. The order envisages design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, erection and commissioning of Electro-Mechanical equipment involving the supply of four Vertical Francis Turbines and Generator sets, each rated 225 MW.

The cumulative installed capacity of power plants overseas with BHEL supplied equipment stands at close to 11 GW. Continuing its focus on globalization, BHEL has achieved consistent growth in its exports.

Recently, BHEL also secured maiden export orders from Benin, Togo, Chile and Estonia, expanding its global footprints to 83 countries across all the six continents. A major highlight of recent past was the receipt of an export order valued at US$1.5 billion for setting up 1320 MW (2x660 MW) Maitree Super Thermal Power Project in Bangladesh. BHEL is currently executing hydro projects of over 2,700 MW capacity in the country and 2,940 MW in Bhutan which are under various stages of implementation, demonstrating our commitment to promote clean and renewable energy in India and in subcontinent around India.

Arun 3 mega hydro power plant has to be constructed within 5 years.

As per the tender contract, the Turbines, Generators, Generator Transformers, Control System, Bus ducts and other associated equipment will be manufactured at BHEL’s manufacturing units in Bhopal, Bangalore, Rudrapur, Jhansi etc. Erection and Commissioning will be undertaken by BHEL’s Power Sector Northern Region and 400 KV GIS will be executed by Transmission Business Group, Noida. The construction period of the project is 60 months from the date of awarding the contract.

BHEL has so far bagged orders for more than 500 hydroelectric generating sets cumulatively of various ratings in India and abroad, with a capacity of more than 30,000 MW. Out of these, equipment for about 6,600 MW generating capacity is for overseas projects. BHEL’s hydro plants are successfully and efficiently performing in India and across the world, including at Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nepal, Rwanda, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Hydro power projects like these would help Nepal – the land of rivers become a power surplus state. India and Nepal mutually signed power trade agreements in October 2014. The agreement aims to enhance friendly relations and mutual trust between Nepal and India through increased cooperation in the field of transmission interconnection, grid connectivity and power trade. It facilitates government, public and private enterprises in planning and construction of interconnection facilities and power trade.

- Chaitanya Kulkarni