NEA directs hydropower projects to cut output amid monsoon surplus and transmission constraints
Summary
Nepal Electricity Authority directs hydropower projects to reduce output amid monsoon surplus and transmission bottlenecks, highlighting challenges in grid management and export capacity.
Key Points
- Nepal's hydropower generation exceeds domestic demand during monsoon, leading NEA to curtail output, especially for 'contingency' projects.
- Installed hydropower capacity (~4,300 MW) surpasses peak demand (~2,200 MW) plus exports (~1,200 MW), creating surplus electricity during off-peak hours.
- Transmission infrastructure lagging behind generation capacity causes multiple projects to operate below capacity and under contingency status.
- Expansion of export capacity and private sector involvement in transmission and power trading are critical to managing surplus and maximizing resource utilization.
