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

Nepal's hydropower generation has plummeted by approximately 550 megawatts (MW) due to flash floods, prompting the government to seek advance approval for electricity imports from India, according to Indian government officials. This reduction in production comes as Nepal's power plants, including several hydropower stations and a solar plant, were damaged by the catastrophic weather event.

The affected installations, which are spread across Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, include plants with a combined capacity of 236 MW already operational and another 342.42 MW under construction. Notably, the 14-MW Devighat hydropower plant, a crucial supplier of electricity to India, was also impacted by the floods. Despite this substantial drop in capacity, Indian authorities maintain that Nepal's domestic power generation shortfall is temporary and does not necessitate any extraordinary emergency measures or alter the country's internal energy supply.