Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Rethinking Nepal’s Hydropower Mix: Why Benefit-Sharing Must Accompany Storage Projects

Nepal’s hydropower sector has long been dominated by run-of-the-river (RoR) projects, which have played a crucial role in expanding installed capacity. However, their inherent dependence on seasonal river flows has prevented the country from achieving true energy security. During the monsoon season, excess generation often goes underutilized, while in the dry season, the nation faces significant energy deficits. This seasonal imbalance continues to challenge the reliability and stability of Nepal’s power supply.