Setiphewa Hydropower Station Butterfly Valve Upgrade

At Mahavir Shree International, we take pride in contributing to Nepal’s critical energy infrastructure. One of our recent projects was the successful upgrade of the Setiphewa (Seti) Hydropower Station in Pokhara, where we supplied, installed, and commissioned a modern Butterfly-Type Turbine Main Inlet Valve (MIV) and associated auxiliaries.

About Setiphewa Hydropower Station

Setiphewa Hydropower Station, located in Nadipur, Pokhara, is one of Nepal Electricity Authority’s older small-scale hydropower plants. Commissioned in 1985, it has an installed capacity of 1.5 MW (3 units of 0.5 MW each). Though small in size, the station has historic value as an early example of Nepal’s hydropower development and continues to contribute to the Pokhara grid and surrounding region.

Over nearly four decades of operation, critical equipment like the turbine inlet valves had aged significantly, requiring timely replacement to ensure reliability and safety. Recognizing this need, NEA initiated the rehabilitation of the station, with the butterfly-type MIV replacement as a priority.

The Scope of Work

The contract, awarded through a competitive bidding process, tasked Mahavir Shree International as the prime and sole contractor to deliver a turnkey solution. Our scope included:

Supply of a new butterfly-type turbine main inlet valve and auxiliaries.

Installation and alignment within the powerhouse.

Integration with the existing control system.

Testing and commissioning for reliable operations.

Butterfly-type inlet valves are vital in hydropower stations—they regulate and isolate water flow to the turbines, protecting against emergencies and ensuring efficient performance. The modern valve we installed offers quick operation, compact design, and enhanced reliability, all critical for sustaining a plant of this nature.

Execution and Completion

Despite the challenges of working within an aging facility and coordinating shutdowns around irrigation needs, our engineering team successfully completed the project on schedule. The new butterfly valve was installed and fully commissioned in mid-2023, restoring the station’s reliability for years to come.

This upgrade was part of broader maintenance and improvement works at Setiphewa, including repairs to seals, control panels, and intake gate systems. Together, these works have ensured that the plant continues to generate energy above its design expectations—over 11 GWh annually in recent years.

Why This Matters

While Setiphewa Hydropower Station is modest in size compared to Nepal’s large hydro projects, it plays an important local role. Keeping such plants operational is crucial to ensuring stable power supply, preserving historical assets, and maximizing Nepal’s hydropower potential.

For Mahavir Shree International, this project reflects our expertise in delivering specialized hydro-mechanical solutions. It highlights our ability to coordinate procurement, logistics, and technical installation in challenging environments, reaffirming our role as a trusted partner to NEA and Nepal’s energy sector.

Looking Ahead

As Nepal continues to modernize and expand its energy infrastructure, projects like the Setiphewa upgrade are reminders that even small-scale interventions can have significant impacts. Mahavir Shree International remains committed to supporting the nation’s journey toward a more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy future.