Hydropower Engineering

Everest Engineering College Er. Prashant Neupane Date:2081/07/26

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1.1 Sources of energy and importance of hydropower
Energy sources can be classified into two major groups:

1.1.1 Renewable sources of energy

Energy which is continuously produced by nature and cannot be exhausted is called renewable energy. Some
of the renewable sources of energy are:

a) Solar energy
The energy obtained from the sun is called solar energy. Solar devices/solar panels are needed to use the
solar energy. It can be a good energy source in rural areas for heating water and even for lighting purpose.
However, it has some limitations. Solar energy is not available uniformly at all times and all places. In Nepal,
utilization of solar energy is limited to micro scale users only.

b) Wind energy
The fast moving wind has kinetic energy which can be converted to electric energy by wind mills. Wind energy
is clean, cheap, plentiful and renewable source of energy. A windmill was installed in Kagbeni, Mustang where
plentiful of wind is available but it went out of order in few months of installation due to poor structural
design. The only disadvantages are wildlife mortality (birds, bats) and large sounds of moving blades.

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c) Hydro energy
Hydropower is probably the oldest renewable source of energy. Since thousands of year, power of water has been used for
grinding grains to operating mills. Electricity can be produced by using hydro energy. Hydro electricity is thus environment
friendly, nonpolluting source of energy. However, there is disturbance in aquatic ecosystem, fish migration and upstream
submergence of land due to dam construction.

d) Geothermal energy
Enormous heat energy is stored beneath the earth’s surface. The heat in shallow depths at different parts of earth can be
used for power production, which is called geothermal energy.Holes are drilled down to hot region and water is sent
through them, which is converted to steam. The captured steam is used to rotate turbines which power the generators. It is
clean, sustainable and environment friendly energy source. The only disadvantage is that it can only be produced at
selected sites throughout the world. The largest group of geothermal plants is in California, US.

e) Nuclear energy
The energy produced through nuclear fission is called nuclear energy. It is most powerful kind of energy every known. The
production of electrical energy is continuous in a nuclear plant and thus used as base load plant in foreign countries. One
of the main disadvantages of nuclear energy is the difficulty in the management of nuclear waste. It takes many years
(10000 of years) to eliminate its radioactivity and risks. Also there is always risk of unexpected event or nuclear accident.

f) Tidal energy
Tidal energy uses rise and fall of tides to convert kinetic energy of incoming and outgoing tides into electrical energy. The
generation of energy through tidal power is mostly prevalent in coastal areas. Huge investment and limited availability of
sites are few of the drawbacks of tidal energy. Prepared by: Prashant Neupane 9
1.1.2 Non-renewable sources of energy
Energy which have been stored in nature for millions of years and cannot be replaced quickly if exhausted, are called non-
renewable sources of energy. They are also called conventional sources of energy. Some of them are discussed below:

a) Firewood
It is an important source of heat energy for both domestic and industrial purpose. In a developing country like Nepal, wood
is the principal fuel, especially in rural area. During burning of woods, lots of smoke is produced which can cause harm to
human health.
b) Fossil fuels
Fossil fuel is combustible deposits of organic materials, formed from decayed plants and animals buried deep inside the
earth millions of year ago. Natural gas, coal and oil (petroleum products) are all one source of energy from fossil fuels. Fossil
fuels provide the power for most of the world (about 50%), primarily using coal and oil. But there has to be heavy
destruction and pollution of the environment to get to the fossil fuel and convert it to use. Also, the fossil fuel reserves are
limited.
c) Animal waste
Animal waste is major source of energy in rural part of Nepal. Cattle dung is used as fuel for cooking and heating. Handmade
and sun dried dung cakes mixed with straw is very common method.
d) Agricultural residue
Agricultural residue can also be used for cooking and heating purpose. In region where firewood is scarce, the agricultural
residue like rice husk, maize stalks, are used.

Energy can also be classified as conventional and non-conventional sources of energy 10

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Advantages of Hydropower:

• Renewable source of energy.

• Low operation and maintenance cost
• Environmental friendly and non
polluting.
• Very efficient for peaking load
(Operational flexibility i.e. opening and
closing can be done as desired)
• Can be use as multi-purpose project
(flood control, water supply, irrigation)
• Long span of life Prepared by: Prashant Neupane 11
Disdvantages of Hydropower:

• Long time for construction

• Large initial investment cost
• Submergence leading to the ecological
imbalance, resettlement etc
• Necessity of costly transmission and
distribution network
• Sedimentation and landslide problem

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 Challenges for hydropower development
Hydropower plays a very important role in improving the economic condition of country by
intense industrialization, employment opportunities and so on. Hydropower can replace
petroleum products, and hence reduce trade deficits. It reduces dependency on non-renewable
energy sources and thus saves the environment.
However, there are some challenges in hydropower development in Nepal which are listed
below.
i. Political instability, poor governance and government interference
ii. Lack of fund, skilled manpower and technology
iii. Too much dependency on foreign grants and assistance
iv. High cost of hydropower development and transmission
v. Private sector not adequately mobilized
vi. Lack of clear and constant hydropower development policies
vii. Difficult terrains and isolated load centers
viii. Fragile geological condition and lack of hydro-meteorological data
ix. Export market beyond the control of Nepal
x. Leakage , theft and poor maintenancePrepared by: Prashant Neupane 13
 Opportunities for hydropower development

Opportunities of hydropower development in Nepal are listed below.

i. Abundant water resources and huge hydropower potential available

ii. Topographical aspect: high head available within short river length
iii. Geographical aspects: perennial rivers originating from Himalayas
iv. Interest of foreign investors
v. High demand in local market: 7-9% of peak demand increases annually
vi. High demand in regional market: highly populated area of India and Bangladesh in the
neighborhood where the surplus energy could be exported
vii. Environment risk free after construction

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 Power Potential of Nepal
Potential Energy = m.g.h
where, m, g, h has their common notations

So, Power Potential = Rate of change of potential energy

= m.g.h/t
= V. ρ . g. h/t
= Q. γ . h
Hence, Power Potential of a River is calculated by the given equation,
P = 9.81 n Q H (kW)

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 Power Potential of Nepal
Types of potential:
(i) Theoretical/ Gross potential
(ii) Technically feasible potential
(iii) Economically feasible potential

1. Theoretical potential (Gross potential):

It is the power potential of all sources of flow of water i.e. theoretical power possible to generate.
Power = P = nγ Q H
where n γ Q H have their usual notations
Gross potential of Nepal: 83000 MW [By Dr. Hari Man Shrestha in 1966 AD during his research while in Moscow Plant Institute]

2. Technically feasible potential:

• It is that part of theoretical/gross potential which can be utilized with the help of construction of hydropower station
i.e. power which is technically feasible.
• It depends on unfavorable geology, topography, climate, and accessibility.
• Technically feasible potential of Nepal: 44000 MW

3. Economically feasible potential:

• Technically feasible projects can’t be implemented if they donot give a good return once the investment is made.
• IRR/BCR/MAAR (prevailing interest rate) is tools for hydropower for economic analysis.
• If IRR higher than prevailing interest rate or B/C ratio greater than 1, projects are usually consider economically feasible.
• Economically feasible potential of Nepal: 42000 MW Prepared by: Prashant Neupane
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 Hydropower potential of Nepal

• Huge potential of water resources compared to country size.

• More than 6000 rivers and streams
• Topography changes from elevation 8848m to less than 60m within short distance of from
North to South
• Average annual precipitation is about 1500mm
• Annual runoff (surface) of Nepal = 0.5% of total world's surface runoff.
• Total surface runoff of Nepal including from Tibet is about = 200 B. m3 (Billion m3)
• Total annual surface run off inside Nepalese territory = 174 B. m3

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Major river basins are Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali and Mahakali
• Karnali and Mahakali river basins have a catchment area of 48,811 km2 and 16,097 km2, with
approximate hydropower potential of 36,180 MW (the watershed area of the Mahakali River
lies in India and Nepal)
• Gandaki river basin has a catchment area of 36,607 km2 and approximate hydro potential of
20,650 MW (the watershed area lies in Tibet/China and Nepal) potential of 4,110 MW
• Koshi river basin has a catchment area of 57,700 km2 and hydro potential of 22,350 MW
• Other river basins (i.e., southern rivers) have a catchment area of 3,070 km2
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The Installed global hydropower capacity reached
1,397 GW in 2022, as per 2023 Hydropower
status reports by International Hydropower
Associations (IHA)

The world leader in total installed hydropower

capacity are:
1. China (414.8 GW),
2. Brazil (109.7 GW),
3. U.S.A (102.0 GW),
4. Canada (83.3 GW) and
5. Russia (55.8 GW

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• First Hydropower – Pharping Hydropower ( 1911 AD) 500 KW
• First Hydropower from private sector – Khimti 60 MW (2000 AD)
• Largest hydropower – Upper Tamakoshi 456 MW [5th July 2021 AD, inaugurated by PM KP Oli ]
• Largest hydropower before Upper Tamakoshi– Kaligandaki A 144 MW (2002)
• Storage type hydropower – Kulekhani 1st 60 MW (1982); 2nd 32 MW and 3rd 14 MW
• Largest proposed hydropower – Karnali Chisapani Multipurpose Project (10800 MW)
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Historical Development of Hydropower in Nepal:

1911 A.D: Pharping Hydropower plant, install capacity = 500 kw

1936 A.D: Sundarijal power station - install capacity = 640 kw
1965 A.D: Panauti hydropower, 2.4 MW
1967 A.D: Trishuli hydropower, 12MW and upgraded later to 21 MW (Nuwakot) [37MW]
1969 A.D: Phewa hydropower, 1MW
1972 A.D: Sunkoshi hydropower, 10.05 mw
1979 A.D: Gandaki hydropower, 15 mw, Kaplan (Propeller type turbine)
1982 A.D: Kulekhani Ist Capacity, 60 mw, Makawanpur (1st storage)
1984 A.D: Devighat hydel, 14.1 mw
1985 A.D : Seti hydro-project, 15 MW
1986 A.D: Kulekhani II, 32 MW
1989 A.D: Marsangdi hydropower, 69 MW, (Tanahu)
1996 A.D: Chatara hydropower, 3.2 Mw.
1996 A.D:Tinu river butwal (1st tunneling project)-500kw
1999 A.D: Illam hydro project - 62 Mw,
2000 A.D: Madikhola hydroproject (Parbat), 14.8 Mw
2000 A.D : Khimti 60 MW (2000 AD)
2002 A.D: Kaligandaki A Hydropower, 144 Mw, (Syangja, Beltar)
2008 A.D: Mid. Marsyandi hydropower, 70 Mw
2019 AD : Upper Trishuli 3A , 60 MW
2021 A.D: Upper tamakoshi hydropower, 456 MW(biggest hpp in Nepal)
2023 A.D: SoluKhola Dudhkhosi Hydropower Project, 86 MW 24
Power Plant Status in Nepal (Source- DoED until 20 Oct 2024)

• Hydropower < 1MW = 14.222 MW (18 projects)

• Hydropower > 1MW = 3009.584 MW (161 projects)
• Thermal = 53.41 MW
• Solar = 55 MW

Visit website- doed.gov.np

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Four Largest Hydropower Plants of Nepal

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Hydropower plants under construction
There are some hydropower projects of big capacity which are under construction. Though some are preparing to
start generation, transmission lines are not being developed in the same pace. Only NEA is responsible for the
installing transmission lines in Nepal.
Some of the hydropower projects under construction are,
i. Kulekhani III (14 MW) About 66% complete
ii. Tanahu (140 MW) About 54% complete
iv. Rahuganga (40 MW) About 80% complete
v. Rasuwagadi (111 MW) About 97% complete
vi. Madhya Bhotekoshi (102 MW) About 75% complete

There are other identifed hydropower projects which have huge hydropower potential;
-West seti (750 MW),
-Arun III (402 MW),
-Mahakali Pancheswor (6480 MW),
-Karnali Chisapani (10800 MW),
-Kali gandaki II (660 MW),
-Budhi gandaki (600 MW) etc

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The majority of hydropower projects in Nepal are run-of-river projects, which
generate electricity by diverting water from rivers and returning it downstream.

• The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is the state-owned utility responsible for
distributing electricity in Nepal.

• The government of Nepal has recently launched the Nepal Power System
Master Plan, which aims to increase the country's installed capacity to 17,000
MW by 2040, with hydropower contributing over 80% of the total.

• In 1992, the government of Nepal has decided to open its door to private in
order to fulfill the growing electricity demand.

• Department of Electricity Development (DOED) under the Ministry of Energy

(MOE) has the authority of issuingPrepared
licenses under one window policy.
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Government Agencies in the power sector

i. Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR)

ii. Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) - planning and policy research.

iii. Department of Electricity Development (DoED) - licensing, facilitation, promotion,

compliance monitoring and project study (regulating body under Ministry of Water Resources).

iv. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)- public utility for transmission and distribution of electricity
(Government of Nepal undertaking company under Ministry of Water Resources, Formed on
August 16, 1985 under Electricity Authority Act 1984)

v. Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission (ETFC) - tariff setting Legal and Policy Environment

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Moreover, for the promotion of hydropower projects, the DoED has been
designated as 'One Window' under the MoWR, with following responsibilities:

• Issuance of survey and Project (generation) licenses.

• Providing concessions and incentives.
• Facilitating the import of the plant, equipments and goods required for the
project.
• Facilitating in the acquisition of government land required for the project.
• Facilitating in obtaining various permits and approvals.

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• Hydropower Development Policy, 2058 (2001)- foreign investment in hydropower development
• Electricity Rules, 2050 (1993)
• Electricity Act, 2049 (1992)- Management and development of electricity (Energy production and
distribution)
• Water Resource Act-2049- license, priority order for utilizing water resources: Drinking water; Irrigation;
Agricultural; Hydroelectricity; Industry, Navigation; Recreational uses; Other uses.

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 Hydropower Development Policy

Government has adopted the Hydropower Development Policy of 2001 and encourages both
local as well as foreign investment, especially for the development of Small Hydropower
Plants. The Hydropower Development Policy 2001 (HDP) addresses issues including

• Private sector demand,

• Need for reasonable pricing,
• Rural electrification,
• Need to raise the level of employment,
• Hydro power exports and
• Investor friendly practices.

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Objectives:
• To generate electricity at low cost utilizing water available in the country.
• To extend reliable and quantitative electric service throughout the country at reasonable
price.
• To tie up electrification with economic activities.
• To render the support to the development of rural economy by extending rural
electrification.
• To develop hydropower as an exportable commodity.

Commitments of Government of Nepal:

▪ Survey license: term of 5 years
▪ Generation license term: 35 years for domestic supply and 30 years for export oriented
projects
▪ Additional maximum five years for hydrological risks
▪ Projects turned over free of cost on good operating condition at the end
▪ Water rights guaranteed
▪ Foreign exchange and repatriation facility 33
Procedure:

• Projects to be developed by way of competitive bidding

• BOOT (build-own-operate-transfer) model for private investment
• Respect for high standards for environment protection
• GoN to assist in land acquisition
• Royalty structure fix rate up to 1000 MW, export projects negotiable rate above 1000 MW
• Separate agreement for developers and GoN

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c) Based on Operation

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1. Run-of-River (ROR) Hydropower

• Description: In ROR projects, water is diverted from the river, run through a penstock to generate electricity, and then returned to the
river. There’s minimal storage of water, relying on the river’s natural flow.
• Capacity: Typically has a limited capacity, as it depends on the river's instantaneous flow.
• Environmental Impact: Minimal impact compared to other types since there's no large reservoir.
• Operation: Operates continuously, usually at lower capacity during dry seasons, matching the river flow.
• Ideal for: Rivers with a stable year-round flow.

2. Peaking Run-of-River (PROR) Hydropower

• Description: Similar to ROR but with a small reservoir or pondage that can store water for a short duration, often a few hours.
• Capacity: Can increase power generation during peak demand hours by releasing stored water.
• Environmental Impact: Slightly higher than ROR, but still less than storage projects.
• Operation: Operates flexibly to meet peak electricity demands by adjusting flows and utilizing pondage.
• Ideal for: Regions where peak electricity demand varies daily or seasonally.

3. Storage Hydropower

• Description: Involves a large reservoir created by damming the river, storing significant water to control the timing and quantity of
flow through turbines.
• Capacity: Provides high generation capacity as water release is regulated.
• Environmental Impact: High, as it involves flooding land to create a reservoir, affecting local ecosystems and communities .
• Operation: Highly flexible, can meet peak demands and operate during low-flow periods, generating power as needed.
• Ideal for: Areas with seasonal flows, where a controlled, continuous power supply is required year-round. Each type suits different
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Tutorial 1:
Introduction to Hydropower Development
1. What are the major sources of energy? Describe the relative merits and demerits of hydropower as compared to other
sources of energy.
2. List out the Sources of Energy. Suggest the best source for your country with arguments.
3. Why hydropower is considered the best source of energy for Nepal? Explain with suitable reasons.
4. Write down the history of hydropower development along with major issues in this sector of Nepal.
5. Describe the history, status and potential of hydropower development in the context of our country.
6. Describe the hydropower status of Nepal. Also, define the terms gross, technical and economic potential of Nepal.
7. Despite having a century long history of hydropower development and huge hydropower potential, Nepal has so far
developed only around 900 MW of hydropower. What do you think are the factors behind slow pace of hydropower
development and what approaches can be adopted to make the best use of available water resources in Nepal?
8. Briefly explain the policies of our country for development of micro-hydropower plant.
9. List five-five large hydropower plants of Nepal with their installed capacity, operated by government and private sector.
10. Explain briefly the major institutions involved in hydropower development in Nepal.
11. What are the objectives of hydropower development policy 2058? Explain five main features provisioned in
Hydropower Development Policy 2058 for the development of hydropower in Nepal.
12. Explain the opportunities and challenges for hydropower development in context of Nepal.
13. Write Short Notes on:
a) Hydropower potential in Nepal
b) Scope & challenges of Hydropower in Nepal
c) Hydropower development in Nepal
d) Hydropower development Institution in Nepal
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e) Advantage of Private sector in Hydropower development