Nepal's Hydropower Ambitions Threatened by Devastating Floods and Climate Change
Summary
Devastating floods have damaged 12 hydropower projects in Nepal’s Trishuli River basin, threatening more than 10% of the country’s electricity generation capacity. The disaster has intensified debate over climate risk, hydropower policy, and Nepal’s need to diversify into solar and wind power.
Key Points
- The flood on Bhadra 10 killed more than 1,300 people and severely damaged 12 hydropower projects in the Trishuli River basin.
- Nepal’s electricity supply remains stable for now, but officials say the country must rethink hydropower planning as climate-related disasters increase.
- Experts and energy stakeholders are calling for more resilient project design, stronger early warning systems, and greater investment in solar and wind energy.
- The disaster has raised concerns about the economic and environmental risks of Nepal’s heavy dependence on hydropower and foreign-backed infrastructure.
