Hydropower capacity hit after floods, Nepal seeks advance power imports from India

Nepal is requesting advance power imports from India to address a generation shortfall caused by recent flash floods, according to Indian government officials. The country's hydropower capacity has dropped by approximately 550 megawatts (MW) due to the damage to power generation facilities. As a result, cross-border electricity flow to India has decreased by around 400 MW from previous peak export levels of 900-1,000 MW.

However, Indian officials confirm that the reduction in imports is temporary and that India has sufficient reserve capacity to absorb the shortfall without impacting domestic electricity supply or grid stability. The floods have affected 13 hydropower plants, including several under-construction projects and a solar power plant.

Notably, the 14-MW Devighat hydropower plant, which supplies electricity to India, was among the plants impacted by the floods.