In a notable and unexpected turn of events, the Marsyangdi Hydropower Station, located in Aanbookhaireni Rural Municipality-4 of Tanahun, is generating its full capacity of 69 megawatts of electricity even during the typically low-production winter season. This extraordinary performance can be credited to the heavy rains experienced in September and October, which increased the flow of water in the Marsyangdi River, thus allowing for maximum electricity production.
Pashupati Gautam, the station’s chief engineer, expressed satisfaction with the current state of operations. He stated that each of the three units at the Marsyangdi Hydropower Station is producing 23 megawatts, summing up to the entire 69 megawatts capacity, made possible by the abundant water supply. This is a significant improvement compared to the previous winter when production dropped to 30 megawatts due to reduced snowmelt.
The Marsyangdi River, originating from the Himalayas, typically experiences increased water flow in the summer months due to melting snow and heightened rainfall, which is fundamental to boosting electricity generation. Conversely, during the dry season, the decrease in temperature results in lower snowmelt and, consequently, reduced water flow in the river’s tributaries and springs, leading to diminished power output.
Electricity generated by the Marsyangdi Hydropower Station is channeled into the national transmission grid through a substation in Bharatpur, Chitwan, and can reach as far as Kathmandu. The hydropower station’s robust performance is anticipated to persist for at least another month, taking full advantage of the sustained water flow. Gautam remarks that while seasonal temperature and precipitation variations significantly influence output, this full-capacity operation amidst the dry season is a rarity made possible by recent heavy rains. This event underscores the critical impact of seasonal and weather fluctuations on hydropower generation.
