An aerial view of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project in Nepal.
The Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project in Nepal, undertaken by POWERCHINA, received the 2024 National Quality Engineering Award on Sept 2.
The award represents the highest recognition for engineering excellence in China's power construction industry. It signifies that the project has achieved top-tier standards, setting a benchmark for similar projects both domestically and abroad.
Located on the southern slopes of the Himalayas in Nepal's Dolakha District, the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Station has an installed capacity of 456 megawatts, making it the largest hydropower facility in Nepal.
The dam is a concrete gravity dam, standing 27 meters high, with a maximum water storage height of 17 meters and a reservoir capacity of 2.2 million cubic meters. The first generation unit was connected to the grid on July 5, 2021, and the entire project was completed and fully operational by March 19, 2022.
This project is a symbol of the deepening cooperation and friendly relations between China and Nepal, and it plays a key role in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative.
Despite significant challenges, including an 8.1-magnitude earthquake, POWERCHINA delivered a high-quality dam while also fulfilling its social responsibilities. It actively contributed to post-earthquake reconstruction and provided essential relief supplies, earning widespread praise from the Nepalese government and local communities.
Additionally, POWERCHINA implemented a "mentorship" program to train a group of skilled Nepalese workers, greatly improving Nepal's hydropower market, technology, and economic development.
