KATHMANDU, FEB 21 - The government has asked the World Bank (WB) to construct Upper Arun Hydropower Project (335 MW).
During a meeting held between Energy Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat and Isabel Guerreo, World Bank Vice President for South Asian Region, on Sunday, the ministry put forward the proposal for investment in Upper Arun project.
In September 2009, the WB had asked the government to come up with potential hydropower projects that could help minimise power crisis in the country, expressing willingness to invest in the potential projects.
“I have proposed Upper Arun to WB for investment after consulting with other concerned experts,” said Mahat. “We will hold detailed discussion on the proposal next week.”
Meanwhile, a press statement issued by the Ministry of Energy after the meeting, said the WB has shown commitment for investment on big hydropower projects in the country to address the existing power outage. Minister Mahat said the total power generated from Upper Arun will be utilised in the country. “The government will also invest certain amount for this project,” he said.
The estimated cost of the Upper Arun project located some 10 kilometres away from Nepal-China border in Sankhuwasabha district is around US $480 million, according to a study carried out in 1990. The first feasibility study of the project was conducted in 1987, while the detailed project study completed in 1991.
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