Survey and Analysis about the Status and Future Trends of Hydropower Development in Nepal

Abstract

Nepal is a small mountainous Country lying between India and China. The geographical coordinates are 2800N 8400E. Nepal’s falls in the temperate zone north of the tropic of cancer. The Country can be dividing into three main geographical regions; Himalayan region, mid-hill region and Terai region. The highest point in the Country is Mt. Everest (8, 848m) while the lowest point is the terai plains of Kechana Kalanin, Jhapa (60 m). The hydropower sector of Nepal was recognized as one of the most feasible and potential sector for green economy. In Nepal, approximately 10% of the population has access to electricity from the national grid till date. Nepal has huge capacity to generate Hydro Electricity. The Benefit of hydropower are, it is non-polluting in the since it does not release any heat and gases. It has low operating and maintenance cost. The most important benefit is that hydropower plant’s produce electricity without consuming power. This paper is written to find out the future scope of Hydropower in Nepal and to provide information for foreign Investors and domestic investors to invest in Nepal’s hydropower. Primary data were collected through news magazine/daily newspapers, journals and books. This paper presents the hydro-power potential, current utilization and future plan of hydro-power development in the Nepal. The government policy in hydropower its issue and barriers for the development in Nepal are discussed.