Karnali has 18,000 MW power potential, but only 10 MW is tapped
Summary
Karnali Province has an estimated 18,000 MW power potential but only 10 MW is currently tapped, resulting in unreliable electricity supply and infrastructure delays affecting households and industry.
Key Points
- Karnali Province has an estimated hydropower potential of 18,000 MW, yet only about 10 MW is currently being produced.
- Several large hydropower projects, including the 106 MW Jagdulla project and 900 MW Upper Karnali project, are stalled due to financial, legal, and design delays.
- About 67% of Karnali's population still relies on traditional energy sources like oil lamps and solar power due to unreliable electricity supply.
- Delayed infrastructure and frequent power outages hinder development and industrial investment in Karnali Province.
