Overview
Kali Gandaki Hydroelectric Power Plant is a 144 MW operational hydroelectric facility in Nepal. It harnesses the Kali Gandaki River to generate renewable electricity for the national grid.
Kali Gandaki Hydroelectric Power Plant is a 144 MW hydroelectric facility located in Nepal, operating as a key renewable energy asset for the country. The plant utilizes the flow of the Kali Gandaki River to generate electricity, contributing to Nepal's growing hydropower sector. The plant operates under Nepal's regulatory framework for hydropower, overseen by the Electricity Regulatory Commission. With a capacity of 144 MW, it is considered a medium-to-large scale hydroelectric plant in the Nepalese context, where hydropower dominates the energy mix. The technology involves a run-of-river design, typical for Himalayan rivers, minimizing environmental disruption while providing consistent power. Environmentally, the plant supports Nepal's transition to clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It plays a significant role in stabilizing the national grid and supporting rural electrification. The facility's operational status ensures ongoing contribution to Nepal's energy security and sustainable development goals.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Kali Gandaki has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but its environmental impact includes altered river flow and potential effects on aquatic ecosystems. The plant is located in a region with significant biodiversity, including the Kali Gandaki River valley, which supports various species. Proper mitigation measures, such as fish ladders and minimum flow releases, are essential to minimize ecological disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Kali Gandaki Hydroelectric Power Plant is located in Nepal, along the Kali Gandaki River. Its approximate coordinates are 27.976° N, 83.568° E.
The plant has a capacity of 144 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale hydroelectric facility in Nepal.
The operator of Kali Gandaki Hydroelectric Power Plant is not publicly listed, but it is typically managed by a state-owned or private utility under Nepal's regulatory framework.
Hydroelectric plants in Nepal are regulated by the Electricity Regulatory Commission under the Electricity Act, 2049 (1992) and subsequent amendments. Environmental impact assessments are required for new projects.
The plant supplies renewable electricity to Nepal's national grid, supporting energy security and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. It is part of Nepal's strategy to leverage its hydropower potential.