The Arun III Hydropower Project is a groundbreaking development located on the Arun River in the Sankhuwasabha District of Koshi Province, Nepal. This project not only marks a significant advancement in Nepal’s renewable energy sector but also establishes new standards for sustainable development in South Asia. In this article, we’ll explore the key features, technical details, and environmental benefits of this landmark project.
Overview of the Arun III Hydropower Project
Capacity and Scale
With a massive capacity of 900 megawatts (MW), the Arun III Hydropower Project is the largest hydropower plant in South Asia. This monumental project is expected to generate approximately 4,018.87 million units of electricity annually, significantly enhancing the region’s power supply.
Ownership and Financial Investment
The project is being developed by SJVN Arun III Power Development Company Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of SJVN Ltd. The total estimated cost of the project is $1.6 billion, which includes $156 million allocated for developing the transmission line. In February 2020, the governments of India and Nepal successfully achieved financial closure for the project, marking a significant milestone in its development.
Operational Model
Under the Build-Own-Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model, SJVN will operate the Arun III plant for 30 years. After this period, ownership will transfer to the Nepal government. During these 30 years, Nepal will benefit from receiving 21.9% of the power generated free of cost.
Employment Opportunities
The construction phase of the Arun III project is anticipated to create around 3,000 jobs in Nepal and India, providing a significant boost to local economies and supporting regional development.
Technical Details of the Arun III Hydropower Project
Dam Construction
The project features a substantial 70-meter high, 466-meter wide concrete gravity dam across the Arun River. This dam is capable of storing 13.94 million cubic meters of water, playing a crucial role in power generation and water management.
Power Generation Units
The Arun III Hydropower Project includes four vertical Francis turbine units, each with a capacity of 225MW. These turbines are housed in an underground powerhouse, ensuring efficient and reliable power generation.
Transmission Infrastructure
A 300 km-long, 400kV transmission line will evacuate power from the Arun III project to India. The transmission line will connect from Diding to Dhalkebar in Nepal and then to Muzaffarpur in India, facilitating cross-border energy trade and cooperation.
Key Contractors
Several major contractors are involved in the Arun III project, including Jaiprakash Associates for civil works, Om Metals for hydro-mechanical components, and BHEL for electro-mechanical equipment. These partnerships ensure the highest standards of construction and operational efficiency.
Environmental and Social Commitment
To mitigate the impact on local communities, the Arun III project will provide 30 units of electricity each month to affected families. This initiative ensures that the benefits of the project extend to those who are directly impacted by its development.
Environmental and Renewable Energy Benefits
Carbon Reduction
By displacing fossil fuel-based energy sources, the Arun III Hydropower Project contributes significantly to carbon reduction. The project qualifies for carbon credits under international standards, highlighting its role in combating climate change.
Sustainable Energy Production
As a run-of-the-river hydropower project, Arun III harnesses the natural flow of the river, minimizing environmental impact. This approach promotes renewable energy and supports Nepal’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
The Arun III Hydropower Project is a testament to Nepal’s dedication to renewable energy and sustainable development. By harnessing the power of the Arun River, this project sets a new benchmark for hydropower projects in South Asia and beyond. It exemplifies how large-scale infrastructure projects can be undertaken with a commitment to environmental sustainability and community welfare.
As Nepal continues to develop its renewable energy resources, the Arun III project stands as a beacon of progress, innovation, and environmental responsibility.