Kathmandu: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) managing director Kulman Ghising has said that the market for power export from Nepal is getting assured. He made the statement while speaking at a program to sign an agreement with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for investing in the Tamakoshi Fifth Hydropower Project.

Ghising said that India and Bangladesh are eager to purchase power from Nepal. He added that power export from Nepal to these countries during the rainy season will get a better rate.

The EPF has already invested in hydropower projects like Upper Tamakoshi, Sanjen, Rasuwagadhi, and Madhya Bhotekoshi. It is to invest Rs 13.74 billion solely in the 99.8 megawatt-Tamakoshi Fifth to be based in Bigu rural municipality in Dolakha. The total cost of the project including the interests of construction period is Rs 21.14 billion.

The remaining amount for the project that has been included in the People's Hydropower Programme will be raised through the sale of shares to the public. The project's financial management is 65 percent loan and 35 percent equity fund.

The tri-party agreement among the NEA, projects promoter Tamakoshi Hydropower Company, and EPF was signed in the presence of Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Shakti Basnet, on Sunday.

NEA managing director Ghishing, EPF administrator Jitendra Dhital, and Company Chief Executive Officer Binod Bhandari signed on the agreement paper on behalf of their respective sides.

On the occasion, Minister Basnet said that the government prioritized hydropower production and strengthening of transmission systems. He said that Nepal had the potentiality for green energy and it was also its need. He stressed the need of completing the project on time.

Here are some additional details about the Tamakoshi Fifth Hydropower Project:

• The project is located in Bigu rural municipality in Dolakha district.
• The installed capacity of the project is 99.8 megawatts.
• The project is expected to generate 372 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.
• The project is expected to be completed in four years.
• The project is estimated to cost Rs 21.14 billion.
• The project is being funded by a combination of loans and equity.
• The project is expected to create employment for around 2,000 people during construction.
• The project is expected to generate revenue for the government and the people of Nepal.

The Tamakoshi Fifth Hydropower Project is a major project that is expected to contribute to the development of Nepal. The project is expected to generate electricity, create employment, and generate revenue for the government and the people of Nepal.