Kathmandu, April 26: Despite being home to Nepal’s three major river basins—Mahakali, Seti, and Karnali—Sudurpashchim Province has utilised less than one percent of its vast hydropower potential, raising concerns among policymakers, investors, and energy experts.
Speaking at an interaction programme titled “Possibilities and Challenges of Hydropower Project Development in Sudurpashchim,” Ganesh Karki, president of the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal, highlighted the gap between potential and production.
“Sudurpashchim has the capacity to generate at least 18,149 MW of electricity, yet only 176 MW is currently being produced,” Karki said, attributing the disparity to structural and policy challenges. He noted that the province accounts for nearly 20 percent of Nepal’s estimated 83,000 MW hydropower potential and holds strategic importance due to its proximity to India for electricity exports.
However, inadequate transmission infrastructure and complex regulatory processes have slowed progress. Karki called for extending hydropower project licenses to 50 years, streamlining forest clearance procedures, and introducing a one-window approval system to replace the current multi-agency process.
IPPAN Senior Vice President Mohan Kumar Dangi said only 0.96 percent of the region’s hydropower potential has been utilised. He pointed to cross-border opportunities, such as supplying electricity from Darchula to Dharchula in India, but noted that difficult terrain and lack of transmission lines remain major constraints.
Presenting a working paper, IPPAN Executive Committee member Suman Joshi said 61 projects with a combined capacity of 5,900 MW are currently under study in the province. Of these, 11 projects (1,117 MW) could immediately move to construction if transmission infrastructure is ensured.
She highlighted that Bajura (2,188 MW), Bajhang (1,935 MW), and Achham (1,348 MW) hold the highest hydropower potential in the region. However, she warned that without transmission lines, further development could stall for years.
Sagar Shrestha, CEO of the Rastriya Prasaran Grid Company Limited, said there are plans to develop Sudurpashchim as a major electricity hub, but budget constraints are delaying progress.
Two major 400 kV transmission lines are planned—from Humla to Dodhara via Bajhang, and from West Seti through Doti and Dadeldhura to Dodhara. These lines are expected to integrate power from projects such as Phukot Karnali and Upper Karnali and connect to Bareilly in India through cross-border transmission.
However, the estimated investment of Rs. 130 billion remains a major challenge. Each 400 kV line can transmit around 2,500 MW of electricity.
Former secretary Anup Kumar Upadhyay stressed the need to allow greater private sector participation not only in generation but also in transmission and power trading. He suggested amending existing laws to remove ownership restrictions and encourage investment.
Lawmakers including Hari Mohan Bhattarai, Janak Raj Giri, and Jagat Joshi pledged support for policy reforms, emphasising that hydropower development is crucial for national economic growth.
They also noted that the government’s target of producing 30,000 MW within the next decade could be achieved through increased domestic and foreign investment, supported by political stability. #nepal #hydro
