Golyan Group Moves Ahead with 306 MW Upper Mugu Hydropower Project

Golyan Group has initiated the generation license process for the 306 MW Upper Mugu Hydropower Project, one of the largest semi-reservoir hydropower projects being developed by Nepal’s private sector. The project, promoted through the group's subsidiary Elevate Energy, will utilize the waters of the Mugu Karnali River flowing through Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality and Chhayanath Rara Municipality in Mugu district. The company obtained its survey license in 2020 and has since been carrying out detailed technical and feasibility studies. In 2022, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) provided a grant to support the feasibility study, while Germany-based Tractebel Engineering is currently conducting the project's detailed engineering and design. According to Chief Executive Officer Prabin Aryal, geological investigations, including nearly 4 kilometers of drilling and a 400-meter test tunnel, have already been completed, while hydraulic model testing of the headworks is underway at the Hydrolab near Pulchowk Engineering Campus. The project's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been under review for the past three years. Although the project lies within the buffer zone rather than the core area of a protected national park, policy uncertainties and administrative delays have slowed the approval process. The Department of Electricity Development has now issued a 35-day public notice as part of the generation license process, after which the company is expected to receive final construction approval if no objections are raised. Golyan Group has significantly expanded its investments in renewable energy, with a portfolio exceeding 700 MW across hydropower and solar projects. The company already operates the 36 MW Balefi Hydropower Project, is constructing the 46 MW Upper Balefi Project, and has secured a 170 MW solar quota from the Nepal Electricity Authority, including plans for a 50 MW solar plant in Rolpa.