Contemporary energy hub, Hydropower in Nepal

 Situated in the lap of the Himalayas comprising thousands of rivers, Nepal grips a treasure of great power production hubs in South Asia. With the current electricity power production of 2700 MW from Hydropower, Nepal has evolved as a powerhouse in producing clean and green eco-friendly electricity.
As per the latest data by ADB, currently, 124 hydropower projects are running and more than 244 projects have already been licensed for construction.
Nepal footholds more than 6000 rivers with a total length of 45000 Kilometers along which annual water runoff is about 220 billion cubic meters which undoubtedly identifies Nepal as the upcoming energy giant in the South Asian region.
Due to the rapid interest of private companies in the Nepalese hydropower sector, the production is massively grown however, Nepal itself is not able to harness the optimum energy witnessing the potential due to some serious factors involving geographical burdens, political influence, and much more.
The development of a country not only depends on energy production but also massively relies on energy usage. The industrialization era is still yet to set foot in the Nepalese economy which reflects a massive setback in economic stabilization. There is only option for exploration of the energy to India and Bangladesh which may also later end the monopoly of Indian Coal power plants. The arrival of mega hydropower projects has set a remarkable aspect in the future of the Nepalese energy market.
Here are the most influential Hydroelectric power plant projects that have been considered the game changers for bulk energy production:

·        Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project:
Ø  Capacity: 456 MW
Ø  Location: Dolakha District
Ø  Status: Under construction
 ·        Upper Karnali Hydroelectric Project:
Ø  Capacity: 900 MW
Ø  Location: Karnali River
Ø  Status: Proposed
·        Arun III Hydroelectric Project
Ø  Capacity: 900 MW
Ø  Location: Sankhuwasabha District
Ø  Status: Under construction
 ·        Upper Marshyandi Hydropower Project
Ø  Capacity: 50 MW
Ø  Location: Lamjung District
Ø  Status: Operational
  ·        Upper Trishuli-1 Hydroelectric Project:
·        Capacity: 216 MW
·        Location: Rasuwa and Nuwakot Districts
·        Status: Operational
 ·        Dudhkoshi Hydroelectric Project:
Ø  Capacity: 600 MW
Ø  Location: Dudhkoshi River
Ø  Status: Proposed
 •     Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project:
Ø  Capacity: 1,200 MW
Ø  Location: Budhi Gandaki River
Ø  Status: Proposed
·        West Seti Hydroelectric Project:
Ø  Capacity: 750 MW
Ø  Location: Seti River
Ø  Status: Under construction
 ·        Upper Marshyangdi Hydroelectric Project:
Ø  Capacity: 50 MW
Ø  Location: Manang District
Ø  Status: Operational
·        Middle Bhotekoshi Hydroelectric Project:
Ø  Capacity: 102 MW
Ø  Location: Sindhupalchowk District
Ø  Status: Operational
 ·        Sanjen Hydroelectric Project:
Ø  Capacity: 42.5 MW
Ø  Location: Rasuwa District
Ø  Status: Operational
 ·        Upper Modi Hydroelectric Project:
Ø  Capacity: 42 MW
Ø  Location: Kaski District
Ø  Status: Operational

 What stops Nepal from harnessing the optimum energy?

A country that holds massive potential in electricity production, Nepal faces a number of technical, geographical, and political difficulties. The aspects of environmental, economic, and technology are to be 8considered for the better efficiency of power plants. Here are the major hurdles in Nepalese Hydropower:

1.    1. Topography and Geographical Constraints:

The rugged terrains and hills are the basic concerns in building infrastructure in the hydropower sites. The remote and inaccessible locations of potential hydropower sites add logistical challenges, increasing the overall cost of implementation.

 2.      Limited Infrastructure:

Nepal faces limitations in its overall infrastructure, including roads, which are essential for transporting heavy equipment and materials to construction sites. The lack of well-developed infrastructure also hampers the efficient distribution of electricity from power generation sites to consumers.

3.      3.Funding and Economic Constraints:

Developing hydropower projects requires significant investment. Nepal, being a developing country, may face financial challenges in mobilizing the necessary funds for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Attracting foreign investment and securing loans for such projects can be difficult, and the country's economic conditions may influence the pace of hydropower development.

4. Political and Regulatory Challenges:

Political instability and changes in government can impact the continuity of hydropower projects. Consistent and stable regulatory frameworks are essential to attract investors and ensure the long-term viability of projects. Delays in project approvals, land acquisition, and regulatory clearances can hinder the timely execution of hydropower initiatives.

5.   5. Environmental Concerns:

Balancing energy needs with environmental conservation is a challenge. Hydropower projects may face opposition due to environmental concerns, such as habitat disruption, alteration of river ecosystems, and potential social impacts on local communities. Striking a balance between energy development and environmental sustainability requires careful planning and adherence to environmental regulations.

 6. Capacity and Technology Constraints:

 Building and operating large hydropower plants require skilled manpower and technical expertise. Nepal may face challenges in terms of having a sufficiently skilled workforce and the latest technology for efficient power generation.