NIBLEP announces equity investment of Rs 150m in Gurkhas Himalayan Hydro

• Strategic investment supports the Upper Junbesi Khola project, a 5.875 MW peaking run-of-river project in Solukhumbu

KATHMANDU: NIBL Equity Partners (NIBLEP) has announced an equity investment of Rs 150 million in Gurkhas Himalayan Hydro to support the development of the 5.875 MW Upper Junbesi Khola Hydropower Project in Solukhumbu District.

The equity agreement was signed on March 19, 2026, NIBLEP said. The investment will help advance the one-hour peaking run-of-river (PRoR) project located in Solududhkunda Municipality, Koshi Province. The project is designed to generate about 35.43 GWh of electricity annually, with roughly 33% of output expected during the dry season.

Gurkhas Himalayan Hydro has already signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to sell the plant’s full 5.875 MW capacity. Generated power will be transmitted via a 33 kV line to the Tingla substation through a pooling station being constructed alongside the project.

“This investment marks a significant portfolio addition for us here at NIBL EP and reaffirms our strategic focus on small-scale hydropower and clean energy investments that contribute to local long-term energy security and economic development,” said Shivanth B Pandé, CEO of NIBL Equity Partners.

“We are pleased to partner with NIBL Equity Partners at this critical stage in the Upper Junbesi Khola project. This partnership will accelerate the completion of the project and ensure timely delivery,” said Santosh Bhattarai, managing director of Gurkhas Himalayan Hydro. “We believe this collaboration will enhance reliable power supply to remote areas while contributing to Nepal’s long-term vision of a sustainable and clean energy transition.”

The companies said about 75% of construction had been completed as of January 2026, and commercial operations are scheduled to begin in August 2027.

NIBL Equity Partners is a Specialised Investment Fund registered with the Securities Board of Nepal(SEBON) and managed by NIMB Ace Capital. Likewise, Gurkhas Himalayan Hydro is a hydropower developer focused on PROR projects and committed to environmentally responsible energy infrastructure in Solukhumbu region.