Upper Bhote Koshi Hydroelectric Project (UBKHEP) is a run-of-the-river scheme constructed on the Bhote Koshi River - also called the SunKoshi River downstream. The project is located at the present Bhote Koshi Gaunpalika of Sindhupalchowk District in Central Nepal at around 110 km north-east of Kathmandu near the Sino-Nepal border of Kodari.
The project has a capacity of 45 MW with two 22.5 MW vertical axis Francis turbine / Generator Units operating at a net head of 134 m. The max annual energy supplied by the project to INPS is around 299.3 GWh.
The project headworks is situated at Bhote Koshi Gaunpalika Ward No 2 and 3, previously Tatopani VDC and the Powerhouse is situated at Bhote Koshi Gaunpalika Ward No. 4 previously Phulpingkatti VDC. Water is conveyed from the Headworks to the Powerhouse through a pressure tunnel and steel penstock with a bifurcated end feeding the two Units.
The project was designed at Q40 probability of exceedance and utilizes a maximum discharge of 36 cms from the river and the excess water is spilled into the river through the spillways. Environmental Flow is continuously discharged through a separate valve built into the Dam.
The principal features of the Project are:
• The headworks facilities including a diversion dam and side intake, a gates spillway, desanding basin and a headrace tunnel intake.
• The water conveyance structures including a 3.3 km long pressure tunnel, surge shaft and 431m steel penstock.
• The Surface powerhouse containing the two generating Units and all the mechanical and electrical equipment for operation control, protection, and maintenance of the facility.
• A concrete tailrace structure.
• A 132kV switchyard and 25km long transmission line to connect with the NEA Grid.