It provides reliable,
efficient, safe and economic sources of power. The perennial nature of rivers and the steep
gradient of the Nepal’s topography provide ideal conditions for the development of hydropower.
The estimated theoretical power potential of Nepal is approximately 83,000 Megawatt (MW)
while economically feasible potential is approximately 43,000 MW. However, the present
situation is that Nepal has developed only approximately 650 MW of hydropower. Therefore,
bulk of the economically feasible generation has not been realized yet. Being a significant source
of power, hydropower generation can ultimately help the country for higher sustained economic
growth and development of the economy.
Similarly, Load shedding is here to stay for at least another 5 years according to the experts at
Nepal Electricity Authority. Further, the demand of the electricity will increase with the increase
in consumption in coming years. Therefore, there is no replacement for hydropower as a primary
energy source for Nepal’s long term development.