Climate Change Threatens Nepal’s Hydropower Future

Climate Change Threatens Nepal’s Hydropower Future

Introduction Nepal has long banked on hydropower as an economic lifeline. Nearly 99.8% of its electricity comes from hydropower. With an estimated 42,000 MW potential in its Himalayan-fed rivers, hydropower is envisioned not only to meet domestic demand but also to power exports for revenue. In fact, Nepal recently became a net electricity exporter, selling 1.94 billion kilowatt-hours (worth NPR 17.07 billion) last year and a landmark agreement …