Gwh/yr

Energy Generation

25MW

Installed Capacity

About

The Upper Madi Hydropower Project is a 25 MW run-of-river facility located on the Madi River in Kaski District, Gandaki Province, Nepal. Developed by Madi Power Pvt. Ltd., a Nepalese independent power producer, the project commenced commercial operation on 9 Kartik 2073 BS (October 25, 2016). It utilizes a gross head of 124.09 meters and a design flow of 23.84 m³/s, with an average annual energy generation of approximately 140.5 GWh, including 21.4 GWh in the dry season and 119 GWh in the wet season. Key infrastructure includes a free-flow diversion weir with a crest elevation of 936.2 m, a 4.5 m diameter circular headrace tunnel of 3.92 km, a restricted orifice surge shaft (45 m high), and a surface powerhouse equipped with two vertical-axis Francis turbines. Power is evacuated via an 11.5 km, 132 kV transmission line connected to the national grid. Financed through a joint investment of China International Water & Electric Corporation (CWE) and Nepali stakeholders, the project follows a private sector-led development model. It has implemented local benefit-sharing initiatives, including road, irrigation, and health infrastructure. Under Nepal’s hydropower licensing framework, ownership will transfer to the government upon license expiry.

Salient Features

Hydrology ( Intake )

Catchment Area 375 km2
Maximum Net Head 119.78 m
Maximum Gross Head 124.09 m

Waterways

Headrace Tunnel-Length 3920 m
Penstock- Length 158.10 m
Penstock-Diameter 3.20 m
Penstock – Length 116 m

Turbine

Type Vertical axis Francis turbine
Rated Capacity 12.5 MW
Rated Output 10.2 KW

Generators

Rated Capacity 9600 KW
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Application for Survey License

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Survey License Approved

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Application for Generation License

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Under Construction

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Live

Location