Tamor Energy first to deploy TBM in hydropower sector

KATHMANDU: The Upper Tamor Hydropower Project (285 MW) in Taplejung will become the first hydropower venture in the country to deploy a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).

Tamor Energy Pvt Ltd, the promoter of the Upper Tamor Hydropower Project, signed an agreement with China Railway No. 2 Engineering Group Co. Ltd. on Thursday to use a TBM for the construction of its 8.7-kilometer headrace tunnel.

So far, TBMs have only been deployed in two river diversion projects in Nepal—Bheri-Babai and Sunkoshi-Marin.

Tamor Energy Chairperson Pushpa Jyoti Dhungana and China Railway’s Nepal Head Luo Jiarong signed the agreement in the presence of Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, and other dignitaries on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Khadka said the Upper Tamor project will contribute significantly to the government’s target of generating 28,500 MW by 2035.

The total cost of the project is Rs 55.15 billion. A consortium of eight banks, led by Everest Bank Ltd, is investing Rs 38.6 billion in the semi-reservoir project.