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Started 1 week ago · Updated 5 days ago

Nepal's Hydropower Ambitions Face Seasonal Generation Challenges

Nepal's ambitious goal to generate 15,000 MW within five years is challenged by the seasonal nature of its hydropower resources, with run-of-river plants producing significantly less power during dry months. Despite recent advancements in installed capacity, the country faces a persistent problem of seasonal instability, leading to surpluses in the monsoon and deficits requiring imports during winter.

• Nepal aims to generate 30,000 MW within a decade, envisioning itself as a clean-energy exporter to South Asia.
• The majority of Nepal's current installed capacity of over 4,200 MW comes from run-of-river plants, which are less effective in dry seasons.
• Transmission constraints, such as the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur line being at maximum capacity, limit Nepal's ability to export surplus power.
• The 828 MW Uttarganga Reservoir Hydropower Project, after decades of delay, is moving forward with an expected completion within the next decade to address winter shortages.
• Reports indicate that effective dry-season generation can fall to less than 40% of installed capacity, with mid-winter river flows dropping significantly.