STUDY OF THE STATUS OF

HYDROELECTRICITY IN NEPAL

A project report

Submitted to the Department of Physics, St. Xavier’s College,

Maitighar, in the partial fulfillment for the requirement of NEB +2

science in physics

By

Sonu Nigam Sah

Class: 12
Section: F
Roll No: 305
Date:
 RECOMMENDATION

It is to certify that Mr. Sonu Nigam Sah has successfully carried out the
project entitled “ STUDY OF THE STATUS OF HYDROELECTRICITY
OF NEPAL” under my guidance and supervision.
I recommend this project for the +2 degree of NEB.

………………………….
Advisor
Mr. /Mrs. (Name of your Advisor)
Department of physics
St. Xavier’s College
Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The creation and completion of this report were made possible through the invaluable
assistance, guidance, and support of numerous individuals. Without their help and guidance,
this project would not have even been initiated, let alone completed within this timeframe.
We extend our gratitude to the Department of Physics at St. Xavier’s College for providing us
with a platform to present this report. We owe a significant debt of gratitude to our supervisor
Mr. Ram Sundar Matang, for his invaluable cooperation and thoughtful guidance. We will
forever appreciate him for the techniques, strategies, and knowledge we acquired during this
period.

Additionally, I would like to express our deepest and most sincere appreciation to the fellow
candidates who participated in interviews and served as data sources. Last but not least, I
would also like to acknowledge my fellow classmates, friends, and family, whose love and
support were indispensable in the successful completion of this project.

Sonu Nigam Sah

Level: Grade 12, Plus two level
Section: F Roll. No. 305
St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar, Kathmandu
Date of Submission: 09-02-2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

RECOMMENDATION i.
ACKNOWLEGEMENT ii
INTRODUCTION Page no.
OBJECTIVES Page no.
METHODOLOGY Page no.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Page no.
CONCLUSION Page no.
FUTURE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT Page no.
REFERENCES Page no.
 INTRODUCTION

Hydroelectricity, also known as hydropower, is a renewable energy source that harnesses the
energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. This form of energy has been used
for centuries, with ancient civilizations using water wheels to grind grain and perform other
mechanical tasks. However, modern hydroelectric power plants are sophisticated systems
designed to generate significant amounts of electricity for various applications.
Hydroelectricity, or hydroelectric power, is electricity generated from hydropower (water
power). Hydropower supplies one sixth of the world's electricity, almost 4500 TWh in 2020,
which is more than all other renewable sources combined and also more than nuclear power.
Hydropower can provide large amounts of low-carbon electricity on demand, making it a key
element for creating secure and clean electricity supply systems.[3] A hydroelectric power
station that has a dam and reservoir is a flexible source, since the amount of electricity
produced can be increased or decreased in seconds or minutes in response to varying
electricity demand. Once a hydroelectric complex is constructed, it produces no direct waste,
and almost always emits considerably less greenhouse gas than fossil fuel-powered energy
plants.[4] However, when constructed in lowland rainforest areas, where part of the forest is
inundated, substantial amounts of greenhouse gases may be emitted.
 OBJECTIVES

The main objectives and purpose of making this project revolves around the followings:
 To know the clear meaning of hydroelectricity and terms concerned with it.
 To know the present status of hydroelectricity in the world and our country Nepal.
 To have the knowledge on different scopes of hydroelectricity of Nepal.
 To have the ideas about different plans and policies in the field of hydroelectricity in
Nepal.
 To know the reason of the present status of hydroelectricity in Nepal.
 To know about different factors hindering the existing plans and policies concerned
with hydroelectricity of our country.
 METHODOLOGY

Conducting a physics project on the status of hydroelectricity in Nepal is a fascinating and

relevant topic that can encompass various aspects of physics, environmental science, and
engineering. Below are some of the methodologies:
Literature Review:
 Begin by conducting a thorough literature review to understand the historical
development, current status.
Data Collection and Analysis:
 Collect data on the installed capacity, electricity generation, and efficiency of various
hydroelectric plants in Nepal.
Technological Aspects:
 Explore the physics behind hydroelectric power generation. Focus on the principles of
turbine operation.
Social and Economic Impact:
 Investigate the socio-economic impact of hydroelectric projects on local communities.
Future Prospects and Challenges:
 Explore the potential for future hydroelectric projects in Nepal.
Simulation and Modeling:
 Use physics-based simulations or models to demonstrate the operation of
hydroelectric power plants.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Status of hydroelectricity of Nepal

Traditional biomass energy, with its adverse impacts on the environment, health and
agricultural productivity, is still the mainstay of Nepal’s energy sector. All fossil fuels
are imported from India. Nepal spends more on importing petroleum products than it
earns from exports, posing a serious threat to the national economy and energy
security, given the increasing global petroleum prices and geo-political
vulnerabilities. Only 5% of Nepal’s economic hydropower potential of about 40
gigawatts has been harnessed. Nepal also receives ample solar radiation for about 300
days a year, but is largely untapped.

As of mid-April 2022, Nepal’s total installed electricity generation capacity was 2,191
megawatts. During the fiscal year 2020-21, total available electricity was about 8.9
terawatt-hours out of which about 36.5% was from independent power producers and
32% was imported from India. About 44% electricity was consumed by the residential
sector, 37% by industries, 7% by commercial establishments and the remaining by the
agricultural and other sectors. Electricity losses were about 16% and only 0.7% was
exported to India However, from June 2022, Nepal’s electricity export to India has
increased sharply, and is expected to now be a significant percentage of Nepal’s
hydroelectric generation. As of mid-March 2021, 93% of the population had
electricity access and as of mid-April 2022, the per capita electricity consumption was
325 kilowatt-hours. Electricity to about 972,00 households in remote rural areas is
from solar photovoltaic home systems or mini grids.

The total installed generation capacity in Nepal is only 1,182 megawatts (MW) against a peak
electricity demand of 1,320 MW in fiscal year 2018–2019. Of this, the Nepal Electricity
Authority (NEA) owned 621 MW (generating 34% of total sold electricity) while private
investors owned 560 MW of the total installed capacity (generating 29% of total sold
electricity). The remaining requirements were satisfied by importing electricity from India
(38% of total electricity sale, maximum import of about 596 MW). Electricity generation
capacity in Nepal is rapidly increasing. In terms of the recent progress in hydropower
development, survey licenses for 302 projects with a total capacity of 15,885 MW have been
already issued, out of which 172 projects have secured generation licenses and construction
is ongoing for total capacity of 4,642 MW. Power purchase agreements have been
completed for 244 projects with total capacity of 4,138 MW.
 Graphical analysis of total installed capacity of hydroelectricity in Nepal in different years as
shown in the table below:

Year Installed Capacity (MW)

2001 383.5

2002 521.7

2008 563.9

2010 644.74

2016 802.38

2019 1182

2022 2191

Installed Capacity (MW)

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
2001 2002 2008 2010 2016 2019 2022

Installed Capacity (MW)

Challenges to Hydropower Development in Nepal

Nepal’s hydropower sector is faced with the multifaceted challenges ranging from technical,
financial, social to environmental.
The first challenge is the variability in hydropower generation in Nepal. There is excess
electricity during the wet season and insufficient electricity generation during the dry season,
which has resulted in significant electricity import from India. Smoothening Nepal’s
electricity generation curve by consuming or selling the surplus electricity during the rainy
season and increasing generation during the dry season to reduce imports and also meet
Nepal’s rising electricity demand is a major policy challenge facing hydropower
development.
To meet Nepal’s growing electricity demand, accelerated development of its hydropower
potential is essential. However, it is generally acknowledged that there has been
underinvestment in generation. In addition to political and bureaucratic vested interests and
inefficiencies, less than attractive electricity prices that are not deemed to be sufficient to
support system cost and capital expansion is a major cause of the underinvestment. There is
also insufficient investment in infrastructure (roads and transmission lines) crucial for
hydropower development. Therefore, another major policy goal for Nepal is to attract
investment by introducing efficiency and economic principles into the sector.
Nepal’s hydroelectric development is very vulnerable to climate change with significant
economic impacts. In recent years, there have been an increase in extreme events, like
flooding, high sediment load, landslide-induced dam outburst floods and a few glacial lake
outburst floods.
The poor governance and lack of transparency also seen in the private sector has led to
further deterioration in the sector governance. Therefore, reform and restructuring of the
electricity sector in Nepal is also an urgent policy goal.
 CONCLUSION

Having a theoretical potential of nearly 90,000 MW hydropower at least 42,000 MW

is technically and economically feasible. Unfortunately, Nepal is utilizing only 2% of
it (i.e., 98% remains unutilized). On the other hand, over 60% population do not have
access to grid connected power in Nepal. Moreover, the annual growth of power
demand (grid connected) is over 10%. During the lean season, the power shortage
becomes so acute that NEA needs to ration the power up to 12 hours each day.
Nepal's prosperity is certainly dependent on the utilization of its hydro resources.
However, it does neither have financial resources nor technical know-how to explore
the full potential of hydro resources. For large scale investment in hydropower
projects, Nepal needs to attract foreign sovereign and private investments as well as
markets for power sale.
 FUTURE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

Exploring the future scope of a project on the status of hydroelectricity in Nepal involves
identifying potential areas of research, development, and investigation that could enhance the
understanding of the subject and contribute to addressing current challenges. Here are some
suggestions for the future scope of your project:

Technological Advancements:
Investigate and discuss emerging technologies in hydroelectric power generation. Explore
innovations in turbine design, materials, and control systems that can improve efficiency and
reliable.

Environmental Sustainability:
Explore sustainable practices and technologies to minimize the environmental impact of
hydroelectric projects. This could include fish-friendly turbine designs, habitat restoration,
and water quality monitoring.

Small-Scale Hydroelectric Projects:

Investigate the feasibility and potential benefits of small-scale hydroelectric projects. Analyze
their environmental and social impact, considering their role in decentralized energy
production.

Climate Change Resilience:

Research how climate change may impact hydroelectricity in Nepal. Explore adaptive
strategies and technologies to enhance the resilience of hydroelectric projects to changing
climatic conditions.

Economic Analysis:
Conduct a detailed economic analysis of hydroelectric projects, considering factors such as
return on investment, payback periods, and the overall economic impact on local and national
economies.

Policy and Regulatory Framework:

Examine the effectiveness of existing policies and regulations related to hydroelectricity in
Nepal. Propose policy recommendations that could facilitate sustainable growth in the
hydroelectric sector
 REFERENCES

Reference
Books:
[1]
[3] J. M. Smith, Molecular Dynamics, Vol. 20, p. 20, Academic, New
York (1980).
[4] R. Brown, in Charge Density Waves in Solids, edited by C. Green,
Modern Problems in
Condensed Matter Sciences Vol. 25, North-Holland Amsterdam, (1989).
Report:
[5] C. Green, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Report No.
MAD/PH/650 (1991).
Conference Proceeding:
[6] J. M. Smith, in Proceedings of the Topical Meeting on CP Violation,
20-24 Sept. 1989, ed.: W.
Bhattacharya, PHI (1990).
Ph.D. & Masters’ Thesis:
[7] S. Paudel, A New Far Infrared Nebula at -60o Latitude, M.Sc.
(Physics) Dissertation, Central
Department of Physics, Tribhuvan University, Nepal (2013).