´A team of the ADB completed field studies of the two projects this week,´ a source at the Department of Electricity Development (DoED) told Republica on Saturday. ´The ADB and the DoED are also holding preliminary-level discussions on development of the projects.´
According to the source, the DoED had shared proposals of the two projects with the ADB few weeks ago. ´Since then, the ADB has conducted field studies,´ the source said.
The source also informed that the investment modality and loan amount for the two projects based in Ramechhap district would be finalized in the near future.
Confirming the development, Gokarna Raj Pantha, senior divisional engineer and spokesperson at the DoED, said the ADB has principally agreed to develop the projects.
´The DoED and the ADB will sit for negotiations in the near future,´ Pantha said. ´The ADB is also interested in investing in the renewable energy sector in the region.´
The government has included Sunkoshi-II and Sunkoshi-III projects in its Hydropower Master Plan. Both the projects are classified as run of the river.
The ADB, which has already expressed commitment to extend a soft loan to develop Tanahun hydropower project, has said it would be interested in increasing its investment in the country”s hydropower sector, according to Pantha.
Meanwhile, the government has started conducting studies of eight other projects. These projects include: Bheri Babai (48 MW) in Surkhet, Budhi Ganga (22 MW) in Accham, Chepe Khola (8.27 MW) in Lamjung, Dotighad (5.78 MW) in Dadheldhura, Ikhuwa Khola (8.1 MW) in Shankhusawa, Kabeli-III (12 MW) in Taplejung, Madi Khola (12.25 MW) in Rolpa and Nalsyaugad (400 MW) in Jajarkot.
Source : Republica
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