Nepal bet nearly everything on hydropower - the floods show why that's a problem
Summary
Nepal relies almost entirely on hydropower for electricity and exports surplus power to nearby countries. Recent deadly floods caused by a glacier collapse damaged several hydropower plants, reducing Nepal's electricity capacity and raising concerns about the country's hydropower strategy amid climate change risks.Key Facts
- Nearly 100% of Nepal's electricity comes from hydropower.
- Nepal earns about $200 million yearly by exporting hydroelectricity to India and Bangladesh.
- The floods last week killed more than 1,300 people and damaged 12 hydropower plants in the Trishuli River basin.
- Damage to these plants cut over 10% of Nepal's total power production capacity.
- Nepal has 225 hydropower plants with over 3,900 MW installed capacity, enough for about three million households.
- The Himalayan region is warming 50% faster than the global average, increasing environmental risks.
- Authorities say many recent disasters are linked to climate change.
- Experts say Nepal needs to diversify energy sources and build more flood-resilient infrastructure with early warning systems.
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