184.21Gwh/yr

Energy Generation

30MW

Installed Capacity

About

The Chameliya Hydropower Project is a run-of-river hydroelectric facility with a 6-hour daily peaking capability located in Darchula District, Far-Western Nepal. Harnessing the flow of the Chameliya River, it has an installed capacity of 30 MW, generated by two 15 MW vertical shaft Francis turbines. Developed and operated by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the project was commissioned in February 2018 after overcoming delays caused by administrative disputes and earthquake-related challenges. Key infrastructure includes a 4.07 km horseshoe-shaped headrace tunnel, a 54 m high concrete gravity diversion dam, semi-underground powerhouse, and extensive transmission lines (132 kV and 33 kV) connecting to regional substations. Funded jointly by the Government of Nepal and the Republic of Korea, the project produces approximately 184 GWh annually, contributing substantially to Nepal’s renewable energy capacity and serving also as a civil engineering training site.

Salient Features

Hydrology ( Intake )

Catchment Area 835 km2
Design Discharge 36 cumecs

Powerhouse

Power House Semi-underground

Waterways

Headrace Tunnel – Length 4067m
Penstock – Length 383.64m
Penstock -Diameter 3.7m
Surge Tank Restricted orifice

Turbine

Type Vertical Shaft francis
Number of Units 2
check-mark

Application for Survey License

check-mark

Survey License Approved

check-mark

Application for Generation License

check-mark

Under Construction

check-mark

Live

Location