Dullu Malika Solar Electric Project, 30 MW
Introduction
The Dullu Malika Solar Electric Project (30 MW) is a proposed utility-scale, grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant to be developed in Dullu Municipality–13, Dailekh District, within Karnali Province. The project is designed to generate clean, renewable electricity to meet Nepal’s growing domestic power demand while reducing dependence on seasonal hydropower and fossil fuel imports.
Dailekh District has been identified as a highly promising location for solar development due to its strong solar irradiation, favorable climatic conditions, and availability of suitable land for large-scale installations. The project aligns closely with the Government of Nepal’s policy objectives to diversify the national energy mix and accelerate solar power deployment.
The proposed project site lies near Malika Temple, at an elevation of approximately 1,294 meters above mean sea level, with geographic coordinates 28°48'43"N, 81°38'45"E. The terrain is gently sloping, requiring minimal grading and earthworks. The solar plant will require approximately 45 bigha of land, excluding the area required for transmission line infrastructure.
Technical Summary – Dullu Malika Solar Electric Project (30 MW)
|
Parameter |
Description / Assumption |
|
Project Type |
Grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Plant |
|
Installed Capacity |
30 MW |
|
Technology |
Crystalline Silicon PV Modules |
|
Mounting Structure |
Fixed-tilt, ground-mounted |
|
Tilt Angle |
25°–30° |
|
Estimated Land Requirement |
45 bigha |
|
Solar Irradiation (GHI) |
~4.5–5.2 kWh/m²/day |
|
Plant Factor |
18.10% |
|
Annual Energy Generation |
47.58 GWh (as per desk study) |
|
Grid Interconnection |
132 kv transmission line (~5.5 km) |
|
Evacuation Substation |
Chupra Substation (132 kV) |
|
Project Life |
25 years |
|
Degradation Rate |
0.55% |
|
Implementation Modality |
BOOT |
|
Power Off-taker |
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) |
Cost and Financial Summary
|
Parameter |
Description / Assumption |
|
Estimated Cost |
NPR 180 cr (as per desk study) |
|
Unit Cost |
NPR 6 cr per MW (as per desk study) |
|
O&M Cost |
1.0–1.5% |
|
Financing Structure |
70:30 (Debt:Equity) |
|
Project IRR (Post-tax) |
~9 -12 % |