Voith Hydro, German-based producer of electromechanical equipment for hydropower projects, has opened a branch office in Kathmandu.

The company is able to supply electromechanical equipment for hydropower projects ranging in size from mini and small to large plants with a capacity of 1,000 MW per unit, it said. 

Voith has so far supplied equipment to build hydropower projects with a combined capacity of more than 300,000 MW worldwide, which is one-third of the world’s total hydro capacity. 

“Voith provides solutions for all types of hydropower projects from low-head Kaplan and Bulb to Francis and high-head Pelton machines,” the company said in a press release.

“The company subscribes to the philosophy of bringing state of the art global technologies and expertise to all parts of the world and yet be a local player in order to serve its customers efficiently.” 

Voith has been supplying equipment to Nepal since 1968 when it installed electromechanical equipment at the Gandak Hydroelectric Project for the Nepal Electricity Authority. 

It expanded its footprint by supplying components to the Trishuli Hydroelectric Project in 1970, Kulekhani I in 1982, Marshyangdi in 1990 and Middle Marshyangdi in 2008.

Voith Hydro is currently executing the Rasuwagadhi, Dordi Khola, Lower Hewa Khola, Thapa Khola and Mistri Khola hydropower projects. 

Nepal is one of the key markets for the company, and it has opened the branch office to get closer to its customers and serve them better, said Chief Marketing Officer Martin Andrae while addressing the inauguration ceremony marking Voith’s formal entry into Nepal.

The establishment of the branch office in Kathmandu is being a step closer to the 

customers to meet their needs and provide them quality service, he added.

“Nepal is a country that has an abundant potential for hydropower, and it is a matter of time before it could become a leading hydropower generating nation,” the company said. “Voith recognises this and would like to contribute to and become a part of this development.” 

Voith Hydro’s Indian subsidiary is responsible for the Nepal market and Southeast Asia. It draws upon the experience of having executed the largest power plant with a capacity of 1,000 MW in India. 

It is currently executing a number of projects in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Southeast Asia and Africa besides supplying components to all of Voith’s global locations.

The Voith Group also celebrates its 150th year of existence this year, having been founded in 1867, and continues to be one of the largest family owned companies in Europe. 

Today, the Voith Group has a sales turnover of over 4.3 billion euros and has a presence in more than 60 countries with around 19,000 employees.