World Potential (NEPAL)

Water Resources
Nepal is endowed with immense water resources. The average annual precipitation is aprroximately 1700 mm (80% of which occurs during the monsoon season - June to September). The total annual average run-off from the nation's 600 perennial rivers is over 200 billion m3.

Nepal's surface water resources are distributed among the river system of four major rivers (the Mahakali, the Karnali, the Gandaki, and the Kosi), seven medium rivers and a vast network of small rivers. All of the country's rivers drain into the Ganges. Nepal's rivers account for approximately 40% of the total flow of the Ganges and over 70% of its dry season flow.

The spatial and temporal distribution of water resources creates surpluses and deficits at certain times and places, mainly due to the lack of storage facilities. Nepal's storage potential is estimated at 88 billiion m3. The theoretical hydropower potential is estimated at 83000 MW, of which 46000 MW is assumed technically viable. In 1999 93 dams had been identified and 66 of these were assessed as economically feasible for power generation. It is widely believed that through proper management Nepal's storage capacity could bring many benefits to the country and its neighbours including hydropower generation, flood control, flow manipulation for downstream irrigation, navigation and water supply.

Country Brief
Water Resources
Energy Sector
Hydropower Development & Micro Hydro in Nepal
Small Hydro in Nepal
Conclusions