Nepal Hydropower Developments 2026

The transfer of 50% ownership of the 60 MW Khimti-1 Hydropower Project to the Nepal Electricity Authority resumed, with the negotiation committee reconstituted to finalize ownership, purchase agreement, royalty, and tax issues after a five-year delay.

Butwal Power Company Limited launched a 50 kW green hydrogen pilot project in Pyuthan, using renewable electricity from the 12 MW Jhimruk Hydropower Project to produce hydrogen and evaluate viability of clean energy solutions in Nepal.

The government announced hydropower sector policy reforms including Electricity Authority restructuring and opening electricity trading to private sector, but private producers expressed concerns over unclear Power Purchase Agreement conditions affecting approximately 15,000 MW of projects above 10 MW.

Karnali Province announced plans to develop hydropower projects up to 20 MW through public-private partnerships, encouraging local resident investments and funding the Jagadulla-A project in Dolpa province.

The main dam of the Tanahun Hydropower Project reached 50 percent completion, with 424,120 cubic meters of concrete placed out of 850,000 cubic meters required.

The 6.2 MW Lower Jogmai Khola Hydropower Project in Ilam district resumed electricity generation after repairs from heavy rain damage in Koshi Province.

The first weir gate installation and testing at the 216 MW Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project in Rasuwa have been successfully completed, advancing the project to 82% physical progress with main tunnel excavation finished and lining underway.