Kathmandu: Despite having vast hydropower potential with river basins such as the Mahakali, Seti, and Karnali, Sudurpashchim Province has been found to have extremely low electricity production.
At an interaction program organized in Kathmandu by the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN), Chairperson Ganesh Karki stated that although the province has an estimated potential of around 18,149 MW, only 176 MW is currently being produced.
According to him, this accounts for less than 1 percent (about 0.96 percent) of the total potential. “Although Sudurpashchim holds nearly 20 percent of the country’s total hydropower potential of 83,000 MW, development has been hindered due to the lack of transmission infrastructure,” Karki said.
IPPAN Senior Vice President Mohan Kumar Dangi also noted that the region has lagged behind in hydropower development due to the absence of transmission lines, complex legal procedures, and geographical challenges.
He emphasized the need for project licenses of up to 50 years, simplification of forest-related procedures, and the implementation of a ‘one-door policy.’
IPPAN Deputy General Secretary Prakash Dulal pointed out that obtaining approval from the forest ministry can take years, and recent provisions have made the process even more complicated.
According to a working paper presented at the program, 61 projects with a combined capacity of 5,900 MW are currently in the study phase in Sudurpashchim, while 11 projects totaling 1,117 MW could move into construction immediately if transmission lines are ensured.
IPPAN Executive Committee member Suman Joshi stated that Bajura (2,188 MW), Bajhang (1,935 MW), and Achham (1,348 MW) districts hold the highest potential.
However, at present, only a single 132 kV transmission line—from Balach in Darchula to Attariya in Kailali—is operational in the province.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Transmission and Grid Company Limited, Sagar Shrestha, said that although there is a plan to develop Sudurpashchim as a major power hub of the country, expansion of transmission lines has been delayed due to budget constraints.
He added that a 400 kV transmission line project is being advanced, connecting Humla to Dododhara and linking West Seti to Kailali, which is estimated to require an investment of around Rs 130 billion.
Former Secretary Anup Kumar Upadhyay stressed that the private sector is indispensable for hydropower development and called for opening up transmission and power trading to private investment as well.
Participants at the program concluded that with the expansion of road and transmission infrastructure, policy reforms, and an investment-friendly environment for the private sector, Sudurpashchim could emerge as a major hub for hydropower generation.
Jalasarokar
