HYDROPOWER

1. Basic Introduction

1. Types of Hydropower Plant

1. Conventional Hydropower

2. Pumped Storage Hydropower

2. Historical Background of Power Development In Nepal

3. Hydropower Potential In Nepal and World

4. Hydropower Development Policy In Nepal

1. Basic Introduction

Hydropower is a renewable energy source that uses the energy of flowing or falling
water to
generate electricity. It involves building a dam to create a reservoir, directing
water through a
turbine, which rotates and powers a generator to produce electricity. Hydropower is
clean,
reliable, and sustainable, but it can have environmental and social impacts.

The Hydropower generation Plants are of two Types

1. Conventional Hydropower

2. Pumped Storage Hydropower

 Conventional Hydropower
• It refers to the generation of electricity from the gravitational force of
flowing or falling water. It is one of the
oldest and most widely used forms of renewable energy. Here are some key points
about conventional
hydropower:

• How it works: This plant is typically consisting of a dam. The water is stored
behind the dam, creating a
reservoir. When released, the water flows through turbines, which spin and drive
generators to produce electricity.
The amount of electricity generated depends on the volume of water flow and the
height of the dam.

• Reservoirs: The creation of a reservoir is a significant feature of conventional

hydropower. It involves the
flooding of a large area upstream of the dam, forming an artificial lake. The
stored water can be released as needed
to generate electricity, control downstream water flow, or provide irrigation and
drinking water.

• Capacity and output: Conventional hydropower plants vary in size and capacity,
ranging from small-scale
installations to large-scale projects. Large dams can have a significant capacity
and generate large amounts of
electricity. The output is determined by the design of the plant, including the
flow rate, head, and efficiency of the
 Conventional Hydropower

• Environmental impact: While conventional hydropower is a renewable energy source,

it can have environmental
impacts. The creation of reservoirs can lead to habitat loss, displacement of
communities, and alteration of natural river
ecosystems. Dams may also disrupt fish migration and affect downstream water
quality and sedimentation patterns.
However, with careful planning and mitigation measures, some of these impacts can
be minimized.

• Advantages: It is a reliable source of electricity, as it depends on the

consistent flow of water. It produces clean
energy without direct greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the reduction of
carbon dioxide emissions. Hydropower
plants have long lifespans and can provide electricity for many decades.

• Challenges: Building large dams and reservoirs for hydropower projects can be
capital-intensive and require significant
initial investments. Environmental and social considerations need to be taken into
account to minimize negative impacts.
Additionally, the availability of suitable locations for new hydropower projects
may be limited in some regions.

• Global usage: Conventional hydropower is widely used globally and has been a
significant contributor to electricity
generation in many countries. Some countries, such as Norway, Canada, and Brazil,
Nepal, India rely heavily on
hydropower for a substantial portion of their electricity needs.
 Pumped Storage Hydropower
Pumped storage hydropower is a type of hydropower that uses the energy of water to
store and generate electricity. It
involves two reservoirs located at different elevations and a reversible turbine
system. Here are the key points about
pumped storage hydropower:

How it works: Pumped storage hydropower works by using two reservoirs, an upper
reservoir and a lower reservoir,
typically located at different elevations. During periods of low electricity demand
or when there is excess electricity in the
grid, the system pumps water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir, using
electricity to drive the pumps.

Power Generation: When there is a high demand for electricity or during peak hours,
the water is released from the
upper reservoir back to the lower reservoir through the reversible turbine system.
As the water flows down, it passes
through the turbines, which generate electricity.

Efficiency: Pumped storage hydropower systems are known for their high efficiency.
The energy required to pump water
uphill is often provided during periods of low demand when electricity is cheaper.
 Pumped Storage Hydropower
Energy storage: The main advantage of pumped storage hydropower is its ability to
store energy. During off-peak hours
when electricity demand is low, excess electricity from other sources, such as wind
or solar power, can be used to pump
water to the upper reservoir. This stored energy can then be released and used
during peak hours or when there is a
higher demand for electricity, providing a reliable and flexible source of power.

Environmental considerations: While pumped storage hydropower does not directly

produce greenhouse gas
emissions during operation, the construction of the reservoirs and infrastructure
can have environmental impacts, including
habitat disruption and land use changes. However, these impacts are often less
significant compared to conventional
hydropower since the size of the reservoirs is generally smaller.

Global usage: Pumped storage hydropower is widely used around the world. It is
particularly valuable in regions with a
high penetration of renewable energy sources, as it helps to integrate and balance
the intermittent nature of these sources
with the overall electricity grid.
 Bonus Points
Conventional Hydropower Pumped Storage
Hydropower

1 It's worth noting that there are also variations of 1 Pumped storage
hydropower is an important technology
hydropower, such as run-of-river hydropower, which for grid
reliability, energy storage, and the integration of
does not involve the creation of large reservoirs and renewable energy,
making it a key component of a
has a smaller environmental footprint. sustainable energy
system.
 2. Historical Background of Power Development In Nepal
Early initiatives: Nepal's power development efforts began in the early 20th
century. In 1911, the Pharping Hydroelectric
Power Plant, with a capacity of 500 kilowatts (kW), was commissioned near
Kathmandu. It was the first hydroelectric plant
in Nepal and second of South Asia that provided electricity to the capital city.

Nationalization: In the 1950s, the government of Nepal began nationalizing the

power sector. The Nepal Electricity
Corporation (NEC) was established in 1956 as a state-owned utility responsible for
power generation, transmission, and
distribution.
Foreign assistance and IPPs: In the 1980s and 1990s, Nepal sought foreign
assistance and introduced the concept of
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to promote private sector involvement in power
generation. The government aimed
to attract investment and expertise through partnerships with domestic and
international private companies.

Electricity Act 2049: In 1992, Nepal introduced the Electricity Act 2049, which
brought significant reforms to the power
sector. This act provided a legal framework for private sector participation,
encouraged competition, and established
provisions for licensing, tariffs, and regulation. The act aimed to promote
investment, efficiency, and sustainability in the
power sector.
2. Historical Background of Power Development In Nepal
Large-scale projects and IPPs: The Electricity Act 2049 facilitated the development
of large-scale hydropower
projects through the participation of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). IPPs are
private entities that develop, own,
and operate power projects under long-term agreements with the government or the
state-owned utility. This
approach has allowed for increased private sector involvement and diversification
of power generation sources.

Cross-border cooperation: Nepal has actively engaged in regional cooperation for

power development. It has
collaborated with neighboring countries like India, China and Bangladesh to explore
cross-border power trade and
develop joint hydropower projects. The Power Trade Agreement with India have
facilitated power exchange and
cooperation.

Renewable energy focus: In recent years, Nepal shifted focus to renewable energy,
including hydropower, to meet
energy demand sustainably and implemented policies to promote clean energy
development.
 3. Hydropower Potential In Nepal and
World
Hydropower Potential in Nepal: Hydropower Potential
Worldwide:

• Nepal is known for its abundant hydropower potential due • Hydropower is the
largest source of renewable energy
to its mountainous terrain and numerous rivers. for electricity
generation
= Hydraulic
globally.

Power (P)
• It is estimated that Nepal has a hydropower gross • According to
estimates, the world's technically feasible
potential of around 83,000 (MW), making it one of the hydropower potential
is around 15,000 (GW), although
countries with the highest hydropower potential in the world only a portion of
this potential has been developed.
but technically potential power is about 42,000 MW only. • Various countries
around the world have significant
• However, currently, only a fraction of this potential has hydropower
potential, with notable examples including
been tapped, with installed hydropower capacity standing at China, Brazil,
Canada, the United States, Russia, and India.
around 1895 MW as of 2:38 PM, 2023.07.10, • Hydropower has
been harnessed extensively in these
https://www.nea.org.np/ energy details. countries and
contributes a substantial portion of their
• Nepal has been actively pursuing the development of its electricity
generation capacity.
hydropower resources to meet domestic energy demand and
potentially export electricity to neighboring countries.
 4. Hydropower Development Policy In Nepal
• Hydropower Development Policy 2058 BS: The Hydropower Development Policy 2058 BS
provides a strategic
framework for the development of hydropower projects in Nepal. It promotes private
sector investment, energy security,
and sustainable and inclusive hydropower development.
• Electricity Act 2049 BS: The Electricity Act 2049 BS (1992 AD) introduced reforms
in Nepal's power sector. It
facilitates private sector participation, competition, and regulatory mechanisms
for power development, operation, and
regulation.
• Electricity Rules 2050 BS: The Electricity Rules 2050 BS (1993 AD) provide
detailed guidelines and procedures for
the implementation of the Electricity Act. They cover aspects such as licensing,
tariffs, power purchase agreements, and
technical standards in the electricity sector.
• Water Resource Act 2024 BS: The Water Resource Act 2024 BS (1967 AD) establishes
the legal framework for
water resource management in Nepal. It addresses water utilization, irrigation,
hydropower development, and
environmental protection.
• Water Resource Act 2050 BS: The Water Resource Act 2050 BS (1993 AD) is an
amendment to the Water
Resource Act 2024 BS. It incorporates provisions for environmental conservation,
public participation, and coordination
among different sectors involved in water resource management.
 4. Hydropower Development Policy In Nepal
• Water Resources Rules 2050 BS: The Water Resources Rules 2050 BS (1993 AD)
provide detailed regulations and
procedures for the implementation of the Water Resource Act. They cover aspects
such as water use permits, environmental
impact assessments, and water resource planning.
• Environment Protection Act and Rule 1997: The Environment Protection Act 1997
provides the legal framework for
environmental protection and conservation in Nepal. It aims to ensure sustainable
development, pollution control, and
environmental impact assessments for various projects, including hydropower. The
Environment Protection Rules provide specific
regulations and guidelines for implementing the provisions of the Environment
Protection Act. They address issues such as
pollution control, waste management, and environmental impact assessment
procedures.
• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 1992 AD: The Foreign Investment
and Technology Transfer Act
1992 AD encourages foreign direct investment and technology transfer in Nepal. It
provides a legal framework for foreign
investors, including those interested in the hydropower sector.
• Nepal Electricity Act 1984: The Nepal Electricity Act 1984 (2041 BS) laid the
foundation for the regulation and development
of the electricity sector in Nepal. While it has been superseded by the Electricity
Act 2049 BS, it played a significant role in shaping
the early stages of Nepal's power sector development.
• Independent Power Producers (IPPs): Nepal has encouraged the participation of
Independent Power Producers in
hydropower development. IPPs are private entities that develop, own, and operate
hydropower projects under long-term
agreements with the government or the state-owned utility. This approach has
increased private sector involvement and
diversification of power generation sources.
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