| Bhote Koshi Power Plant | |
| Location Map: | Nepal |
| Location Map Caption: | Location of the Bhote Koshi Project in Nepal |
| Coordinates: | 27.9128°N 85.9239°W |
| Country: | Nepal |
| Location: | Sindhulpalchok District |
| Status: | O |
| Construction Began: | 1997 |
| Opening: | 2000 |
| Cost: | US$98 million |
| Dam Type: | Gravity |
| Dam Height: | 5m (16feet) |
| Dam Length: | 60m (200feet) |
| Dam Elevation Crest: | 1435m (4,708feet) |
| Dam Crosses: | Bhote Koshi |
| Spillway Count: | Controlled overflow |
| Spillway Type: | 2 x radial gates |
| Spillway Capacity: | 1044m3/s |
| Res Catchment: | 2132km (1,325miles) |
| Res Elevation: | 1434m (4,705feet) |
| Plant Operator: | Bhote Koshi Power Company Private Limited (Owned by Himal International Energy Pvt. Ltd. Himal International Power Corp Pvt. Ltd. Tara Fund Pvt. Ltd. RDC of Nepal) |
| Plant Hydraulic Head: | 135.5m (444.6feet) (normal) |
| Plant Commission: | 2001 |
| Plant Type: | Run-of-river |
| Plant Turbines: | 2 X 22 MW Francis-type |
| Plant Capacity: | 36 MW Max. planned: 44 MW[1] |
| Plant Annual Gen: | 246 GWh |
The Bhote Koshi Power Plant (also known as Upper Bhote Koshi Project) is a run-of-the-river power plant in Sindhulpalchok District, Nepal. It was constructed between 1997 and 2000 with power generation starting in January 2001. The project cost about US$98 million.[2] The majority of finances was provided by Panda Energy International.[3] The dam, located at, diverts water downstream into a 33000NaN0 long head race tunnel which terminates into two penstocks that supply the two 22 MW Francis turbine-generators with water. The drop in elevation between the dam and power plant affords a normal hydraulic head of 135.5m (444.6feet).[1]
The installed capacity of the project is 44 MW,[2] whereas it has a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Nepal Electricity Authority for generation of 36MW maximum. The PPA dictates how much the project can generate for each month of the Nepali Calendar.During monsoon season (about three months each year) Bhote Koshi can operate at full installed capacity, with excess water still being spilt. During winter season however, power generation from the plant decreases drastically due to low river flows.[4]