ADB recommends private sector participation in Nepal's hydel power

ADB believes that maximizing Nepal's hydropower potential lies in private sector participation.

Until now, only 2% of the total estimated potential has been tapped.

Nepal's has the potential to export 43,000 MW to South Asia.

The country has not been able to utilize this potential due to inadequate funding for large export-oriented hydel projects as well as those catering to the domestic power needs.

The Government of Nepal also realized that increased private sector participation can help turnaround the current power scenario and therefore, and has asked ADB for technical assistance in this matter.

ADB was tasked with forming a PSP framework for domestic and export-oriented hydropower projects, identifying institutional responsibilities and the basis for seeking PSP.