Kathmandu. Studies have shown that Karnali Province has a hydropower generation capacity of more than 18,000 megawatts. This fact was discovered through surveys conducted on various rivers within the province.

It is seen that the rivers and tributaries flowing through the 10 districts of the province can generate electricity of 100 MW. Of which, only 8.55 MW has been connected to the national grid so far.

Due to the reduced installed power capacity in the province, the provincial government has itself conducted a feasibility study for hydropower projects and has moved forward. For this, the Karnali provincial government has allocated a budget in the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83.

The Karnali Provincial Government has allocated a budget of Rs 5 million for feasibility studies, co-investment and share investment, giving priority to hydropower projects up to 20 megawatts. Ministry's CDE and spokesperson Padmaraj Devkota said that the provincial government has allocated a budget to conduct feasibility studies for hydropower projects with its own investment.

The provincial government has given priority to the hydropower sector by enacting the Karnali Provincial Electricity Act, 2081. The provincial government has stated that it will identify investors for the construction of large hydropower projects to be operated within the province and take initiatives for their implementation. The provincial government has adopted a policy of constructing hydropower projects with the co-investment of the provincial government, local levels and the private sector.  

The provincial government has allocated a budget for share investment in hydropower projects. Earlier, the provincial government has become the founding shareholder of the 106 MW Jagadulla Hydro Power and has invested 177.5 million shares. The provincial government has decided to invest 5 percent shares in the project and has invested 177.5 million shares so far. The government has also decided to invest in another project, the 120 MW Jagadulla Hydro Power-A. The government has invested in large projects that will provide returns to strengthen the province's economy. 

Similarly, the provincial government has allocated a budget of Rs 115 million for financial arrangements for the province's co-investment in hydropower projects at the request of the local level. The provincial government will invest in hydropower projects to be constructed by the local level after receiving a request for co-investment.

Only 8.55 MW of total installed capacity

Currently, the country's installed power capacity has reached around 3500 MW. However, only 8.55 MW has been connected to the national transmission grid from Karnali Province. Very little hydropower has been generated in the province. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority, 3.75 MW of Dwari Khela and 4.8 MW of Padam Khela hydropower have been added to the system.

1,558 MW projects in various stages of construction

According to the data of the Department of Electricity Development, 1,558 MW hydropower projects in Karnali Province have received production permits and have started the construction process. According to the department, 13 hydropower projects are in various stages of construction. The 439 MW Betan Karnali project, which has been started in Surkhet district of the province, received production permits only on Ashad 29.

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has granted a power generation license to the 439 MW semi-reservoir Betan Karnali Hydropower Project under construction through the Betan Karnali Sanchayakarta Hydro Power Company Limited, through a decision at the level of Energy Secretary.

At a time when the construction process has been stalled for years, leaving producers, investors, and accumulators frustrated, the permission has finally been granted in coordination with the Indian Upper Karnali Hydro Power Company, following the directives of Energy Minister Deepak Khadka.

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Image Source : Urjasanchar