Presently, LEDCO's work is divided along two lines: Track 1, and Track 2. Activities under Track 1 include the development of small hydropower projects which are to supply electricity to the national grid. These projects are commercial ventures that aim to provide dividends to shareholders of LEDCO, and partially finance activities for Track 2. Track 2 activities include rural energy planning and development activities, which are implemented with social objectives of promoting rural electrification and improving the standard of living of the local population.

Hydropower Development

LEDCO is presently working on the following hydropower projects:

Syange Hydropower Project:
LEDCO promoted the Syange Bidyut Company with the objective of developing a locally owned grid connected mini-hydropower Project. The 183 kW project was designed by LEDCO. Its construction activities were also supervised by LEDCO and LEDCO is presently managing the operation of the powerplant . LEDCO is one of the promoters of the Syange Bidyut Company. The Syange Bidyut Company has the neighboring VDCs and the local individuals as a majority shareholder with over 50 % of the shareholdings in the company. The Syange Project is the first project built in Nepal after the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) introduced its new policies to buy power from small hydropower developers. The Project was built at a cost of approximately 23.5 million rupees.

Khudi hydropower Project:
LEDCO has promoted the Khudi Hydropower Limited (KHL) to own, build and operate the Khudi Hydropower Project (KHP) in Lamjung district. The 3.8 MW Project is expected to cost approximately 500 million rupees. LEDCO and SCP Hydro International of Canada have proposed to build the project jointly through the KHL. A Joint Venture Agreement to this effect has been approved by the Depart of Industry in Nepal. The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between NEA and KHL has been signed and the land required for the project has been procured. Presently, KHP is being implemented by a joint venture of Butwal Power Company(BPC) having 60% stake, SCP Hydro 40% and LEDCO 15%. The construction works have already started and the powerstation is expected to be on line by June 2006.

Nyadi Hydropower Project:
Nyadi was the first project LEDCO undertook to develop. The study for this project located in Lamjung District has been completed. It has been optimized for an installed capacity of 20 MW. The project will take advantage of the high gradient in the Nyadi river which will provide a head of over 350 meters. LEDCO is presently seeking partners to develop this project jointly. The estimated cost of this project is 32 million US Dollars.

Lankhar Khola Microhydro Project:
LEDCO along with the Ilampokhari Village Energy and Environment Committee (VEEC) has implemented the 10 kW Lankhar Khola Microhydro Project in Ilampokhari VDC of Lamjung. This is the first microhydro project in Nepal to be designed and built with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) as the only lighting luminaries in the distribution area. LEDCO is presently monitoring the performance of the CFLs through assistance from Alternative Energy Promotion Centre(AEPC)/Energy Sector Assistance Project(ESAP).

Tatopani Micro Hydro Power - 210 KW:
LEDCO has carried out the studies for the development of 210KW Tatopani Khola in Lamjung. A 2.1 MW Dordi Khola Project, also in Lamjung is in the initial stage of study.  The Syange Electricity Company will build the Tatopani Khola, which is similar to the Syange Khola. LEDCO is seeking partners to jointly develop the Dordi Khola Project.

Consultancies:
LEDCO provides consultancies in the following sectors:

• Project development: LEDCO has the capability to provide technical assistance to other developers of small hydropower projects. The assistance that can be provided is for technical assessment ,environmental studies  and financial analysis of hydropower projects.
• Microhydro projects: LEDCO is one of the qualified consultants by Alternative Energy Promotion Center / Energy Sector Assistance Project AEPC/ESAP to carry out prefeasibilty and feasibility studies for microhydro projects in Nepal. LEDCO so far has carried out over half a dozen prefeasibility studies and numerous feasibility studies for clients seeking subsidy from AEPC/ESAP.
• Rural electrification: LEDCO can provide assistance in design and construction of high voltage, medium voltage lines and substations.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) : LEDCO has the qualified manpower to assist other hydropower developers or industries in carrying out the EIAs as per the  requirements of Environmental Protection Regulations of Nepal.
  

For more information, please contact our ledco office in Kathmandu.
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