Abstract
Nepal is a mountainous country rich in water resources, with huge potential for hydropower generation. The Department of Electricity Development (DoED), which sits within the Nepalese Ministry of Energy, has published Guidelines for Study of Hydropower Projects to set out the official standards for the detailed study of hydropower projects in Nepal. The guide is regularly revised, with the latest revision having taken place in 2018, in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the projects. Among the key issues considered are the linkages between glaciers and hydropower projects in Nepal under a changing environment. The formation of new glacial lakes and the potential for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are recent challenges in the Himalayan region. As such, any change impacting these processes may have serious consequences on hydropower projects or cause severe damage to these projects across the country, whether they are in the planning phase, under construction, or completed. This paper aims to make the connection between the status of hydropower projects in Nepal and the state of glaciers in the Himalayas, and suggests that advanced studies on glacial lakes and GLOFs are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of hydropower projects under changing climate.
Highlights
Nepal is approximately 80% mountainous, with altitudes ranging from a few hundred meters to over 8000 meters above sea level (m asl), and a climate that varies with topography and altitude
This paper considers such challenges for hydropower projects in Nepal, and disasters resulting from glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which have already damaged several hydropower plants across the country
We discussed the role of glacier systems for hydropower production in Nepal
Summary
Nepal is approximately 80% mountainous, with altitudes ranging from a few hundred meters to over 8000 meters above sea level (m asl), and a climate that varies with topography and altitude. Journal of Asian Energy Studies (2021), Vol 5, 1-13 is scattered with valleys between mountain ranges rising to the north (Figure 1) Within such a complex geography, over 6000 rivers and streams (including rivulets and tributaries), with a total drainage area of 194,471 km, flow mostly north to south and at generally high velocities due to the high slopes. Any fluctuation in runoff may cause remarkable changes in hydropower production Natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides are common in Nepal. The impact of climate change on water resources, causing the shrinkage of glaciers, the expansion of glacial lakes, and fluctuations in runoff is a serious concern, especially in mountainous regions [6,7,8]. This study explores the relationship between glaciers and hydropower development, and discusses the challenges with and sustainability of hydropower projects in Nepal
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
