STUDY OF PRODUCTION OF HYDROELECTRICITY 

IN NEPAl
A project work
                    Submitted to 
The Department of Physics
Reliance College 
 

                            
 
 
Submitted By: 
Name:  Megha Sha Rauniyar
Class: XI 
Section:  A
Teacher name:  Ramesh khadka, Bijaya Upadhyay, Sudeep Gywali
We certify that we have read this project work and in our opinion it is ………… in
the scope and quality as a project work in the partial fulfillment for the requirement
of grade 11 science in physics. 
 
Evaluation Committee 
 
       ………………                                             ….…………………..… 
(Sudeep gyawali                                       (Yadab Pandey) 
 Bijaya Upadhyay                                    Department of physics 
Ramesh khadka)                                        Reliance College   
                                                         
                                      ……………….. 
                                    (Yadab Pandey) 
                                    Reliance College
 Abstract
Power generation using hydro resources offers sustainable, zero
energy input cost, zero greenhouse gas emission, low operating and
maintenance cost alternative to fossil fuel based power generation.
Currently, nearly 17% of the world’s total power generation is based
on hydro resources and its share to renewable power generation is
70%. Although hydropower is produced in 150 countries, Nepal’s
economically feasible hydropower generation capacity is one of the
highest. However, this huge hydropower potential is still untapped.
By harnessing the hydro resources Nepal can meet its domestic
demand, create a surplus for export and generate employment for its
citizens.
 Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Hydroelectricity…………………………………………………........
1
1.2 Hydroelectricity in
Nepal…………………………………………….1
1.3 Background of hydroelectricity………………………………………
1
1.4 Objective of the
study………………………………………………...1
2.0 Methods and
Methodology………………………………………………….2
3.0 Results and
Discussion……………………………………………………...3
3.1 Challenges of hydroelectricity
production…………………………...4
3.2 Solutions of the challenges of hydroelectric
production……………..4
4.0 Conclusion……………………………………………………………
……..5
5.0 References
 1.0 Introduction
 
1.1 Hydroelectricity
Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is a renewable source of energy that
generates power by using a dam or diversion structure to alter the natural flow of
a river or other body of water. It is produced from generators driven by turbines
that convert the potential energy of falling or fast-flowing water into mechanical
energy. Electricity produced by hydropower is known as hydroelectricity (water
power). By 2020, hydropower will provide about 4500 of the world's electricity,
more than all other renewable sources combined and more than nuclear power.
 

1.2 Hydroelectricity in Nepal

Nepal is a country that is well-suited for the development of  hydroelectricity due to
its abundant water resources and mountainous topography. The country's rivers and
streams have the potential to generate significant amounts of renewable energy, and
hydroelectricity has become an important source of power for the country.
The development of hydroelectricity in Nepal has helped to reduce the country's
reliance on imported fossil fuels, and has provided important economic
benefits through job creation and access to electricity.
 
 
        
1.3 Background of hydroelectricity
Nepal has significant potential for hydroelectricity production, with an
estimated capacity of around 83,000 MW. The country's first hydropower plant was
established in 1911, but significant development did not occur until the 1950s and
1960s. The government adopt policy of promoting hydroelectricity in the 1970s,
leading to the construction of several major projects. Nepal has made progress in
increasing its hydroelectricity production in recent years, but still faces challenges in
developing the sector.
 
 
1.4 Objective of the study
The following objective of this are as follows:
➢ To know the potential of hydroelectricity production in Nepal.
➢ To study the challenges and causes of hydroelectricity in Nepal.
➢ To find the solution for the obstacles faced in the production of
hydroelectricity.
 
[source :Hydro review]

[source:nepalnews]

2.0Materials and methodology

 
2.1 Table research
 
The research is done on a variety of documents and studies pertaining to
Nepal's hydropower development. Internet-based research has been done
during this phase. Evaluation of current government-related papers, including
various annual reports released by the Nepal Electricity
Authority(NEA), reports made available by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has
been done
 3.0 Results and discussions
 
3.1 Development of hydropower in Nepal
 
In particular, Nepal should encourage the private sector to undertake more
hydropower projects in western region by providing additional incentives in
important areas related to project construction. These could include
concessions in the tax rate, tenure, or both; ease of availability of loan and
interest subsidies; power purchase agreements; and limited government
guarantees for the protection and return of investment. Hydropower provides
a reliable, efficient, safe and economic source of power for increasing
effectiveness of the decentralized industries system.
 
Nepal has a lot of hydropower resources and one of the highest
hydroelectric potentials per capita in the world. The Pharping
Hydropower Plant was one of the first hydroelectric plants in Asia and
Nepal. It is estimated that the theoretical power potential is greater than
83,000 MW. Nonetheless, it has been determined that the commercially
viable capacity is approximately 43,000 MW. Following the construction
of the first hydropower plant at Sundarijal (500 MW) in 1911, the second
hydropower plant (640 KW) was erected there in 1936. Following then,
Nepal saw the development and ongoing development of numerous other
big and minor project

Cumulative micro-hydro growth in Nepal. MHP = micro-hydropower plants.

Source: AEPC [121-123].
 
3.2 Challenges and their solutions to hydropower development in
Nepal
 
In Nepal, the generation of hydroelectricity is a key source of energy. The
nation has the ability to produce considerable amounts of hydroelectric power
thanks to its plentiful water resources, including rivers and glacial meltwaters.
Despite its potential, Nepal's hydroelectricity growth has been hampered by a
number of issues, such as a lack of money, infrastructure, and resources.
Despite these obstacles, Nepal's government is actively seeking to increase the
nation's hydroelectric capacity and utilize its plentiful water resources in order
to fulfill the country's rising energy needs. Nepal has the potential to become
a significant exporter of hydroelectricity to its neighbors in addition to
meeting its own energy demands by harnessing the power of its rivers and
streams.
 
Accelerated hydropower development is necessary for Nepal to meet its rising
electricity demand. Consequently, underinvestment in generation has
generally been recognised. Underinvestment is mostly caused by unattractive
energy rates that are not thought to be sufficient to fund system costs and
capital expansion, in addition to political and bureaucratic entrenched interests
and inefficiencies. Also, there is a lack of investment in the transmission lines
and roads that are essential for the growth of hydropower. As a result,
attracting investment through infusing efficiency and economic principles into
the sector is another important policy objective for Nepal.
 
For the plan to be implemented and the hydropower targets to be met, it is
essential to develop affordable, small- and medium-sized projects that can
meet domestic demand, encourage private sector investment in hydropower
development and power distribution, and speed up rural electrification by
convincing investment from both the public and private sectors.
Plans and strategies from the government's perspective must be
developed for the efficient use of produced hydroelectricity inside the
nation. The excess electricity should be sold to other nations in order to
maybe earn foreign dollars. Furthermore, in order to break the NEA's
monopoly, additional organizations must be created as it is only the NEA
that is in charge of the production, distribution, and management of
hydroelectricity.
3.3Solutions of the challenges of hydroelectricity production
in Nepal
➢ Strategic planning: Careful planning and analysis of the country's
hydroelectric resources can help identify the most suitable sites
for power generation and transmission infrastructure. This can
help minimize construction costs and ensure efficient use of
resources.
➢ Public-private partnerships: Collaborations between the

government and private companies can help leverage the

expertise and resources of both sectors, and can attract investment
from outside the country.
➢ Capacity building: Investing in technical training and education

can help develop a skilled workforce capable of managing and

maintaining hydroelectric facilities. This can also help build the
necessary technical infrastructure for future projects.
4.0 Conclusion
 
     Hydroelectricity production plays a crucial role in Nepal’s energy sector. With
its abundant water resources, the country has significant potential to generate
hydroelectric power. However, the development of hydroelectric projects has faced
various challenges, such as limited funding, technical difficulties, and
environmental concerns. Despite these challenges the Nepalese government has
continued to invest in the sector, with the goal of increasing energy production and
reducing dependence on imported fuels. To fully realize its potential, the country
must address these challenges through innovative solutions and sustained effort.
 5.0 References
 
1. Adhikari D. Hydropower Development in Nepal [Internet]. Org.np. [cited 2023 Feb 8]. 
2. Benefits of hydropower [Internet]. Energy.gov. [cited 2023 Feb 8]. 
3. Rauniar D. Balanced hydropower development in Nepal [Internet]. The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR). The
National Bureau of Asian Research; 2022 [cited 2023 Feb 8]. 
4. Basnet S. The role of and challenges and prospects for hydropower development in Nepal’s energy sector [Internet].
Nepaleconomicforum.org. [cited 2023 Feb 8]. 
5. Bhatt RP. Hydropower development in Nepal - climate change, impacts and implications. In: Ismail BI, editor. Renewable
Hydropower Technologies. London, England: InTech; 2017.