A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO HYDROELECTRICITY OF NEPAL AND
KALIGANDAKI PROJECT.
A project work submitted to Himal Academy Dang ,National Examination Board for the
partial fulfillment of the requirement of Grade XI of Physics
Submitted By: Lalita Chaudhary Submitted to: Mr Suraj KC
Grade: 11 The department of Physics
Section: S1 Himal Academy Dang
Roll no: 31 Tulsipur-6,Dang
CONTENTS
CERTIFICATE..........................................................................................................................1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.........................................................................................................2
DECLARATION.......................................................................................................................3
RECOMMENDATION.............................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 1...............................................................................................................................5
1.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................5
1.2 WORKING MECHANISM..............................................................................................5
CHAPTER 2...............................................................................................................................7
2.1 Global potential and Nepal’s potential in hydroelectricity...............................................7
2.2 Types of Hydro power plant.............................................................................................8
2.3 Types of hydropower plant dam.......................................................................................9
2.3 Types of turbines.............................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 3.............................................................................................................................11
3.1 Development of hydropower in Nepal...........................................................................11
3.2 Major hydro projects in Nepal.......................................................................................12
3.3 A Brief introduction to Kaligandaki Hydroproject.........................................................13
3.4 My experience in visiting kaligandaki Hydro project.....................................................14
3.5 Some Pictures of Kaligandaki Hydropower....................................................................15
CHAPTER 4.............................................................................................................................16
4.1 Environmental Impacts of Hydropower..........................................................................16
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................17
CERTIFICATE
We certify that the project work entitled “ A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO
HYDROELECTRICITY OF NEPAL AND KALIGANDAKI PROJECT ” by “Mrs. Lalita
Chaudhary ” has successfully been prepared under the physics department of Himal
Academy. The project has not been submitted to any other college or school.
We find the work satisfactory and may be considered as the partial fulfillment of the
requirement of Physics of Grade 11.
SURAJ KC MADHU SUDHAN KC
Name of Supervisor Name of principal
Himal Academy Dang Himal Academy Dang
……………….. CHANDRA BAHADUR KC
External Internal (Himal Academy dang)
Date:
1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Initially ,I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to my supervisor MR.
SURAJ KC for providing the opportunity to do this wonderful project and for his able
guidance and support in completing my project on hydro power. I would also like to
express the gratitude of thanks to our principal MR. MADHU SUDHAN KC for
providing all the facilities and for organizing a trip to Kaligandaki hydro power.
Secondly, I would also like to thank my parents who gave me the opportunity to go on
the trip and provided me with essential equipment required for the project. And also huge
thanks to my friends and my seniors who helped me directly or indirectly in completing
the project.
I am not only doing this project for marks but also to increase my knowledge.
2
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the project entitled “A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO
HYDROELECTRICITY OF NEPAL AND KALIGANDAKI PROJECT” submitted
by me to the department of physics, Himal Academy Dang is an original piece of work
done by me on the supervision of Mr. Suraj KC submitted for the partial fulfillment of
requirements put forward by the NEB. This article is not submitted to any other
institutions or university for any awards or degree.
Mrs. Lalita Chaudhary
Himal Academy Dang
Class XI
Section: S1
Roll no : 31
3
RECOMMENDATION
This is to certify that Mrs. Lalita Chaudhary has carried out the project “A BRIEF
INTRODUCTION TO HYDROELECTRICITY OF NEPAL AND KALIGANDAKI
PROJECT” under my guidance and supervision.
I recommend the project work as the partial fulfillment of the requirement of grade XI of
science in physics.
Supervisor
Name: Suraj KC
Himal Academy Dang
Tulsipur-6,Dang
Date: 2080/01/06
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CHAPTER 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Hydropower or hydroelectric power, is a renewable source of energy that generates power by using a
dam or diversion structure to alter the natural flow of a river or other body of water.
Hydropower relies on the endless, constantly
recharging system of the water cycle to produce
electricity, using water as fuel that is not reduced or
eliminated in the process. It is basically the conversion
of gravitational potential energy of water into kinetic
energy. Hydropower is a method of sustainable energy
production. It is now used principally for hydroelectric
power generation. It is an attractive alternative for
fossil fuel as it doesn’t produce greenhouse gasses
or any other pollutants that pollutes the atmosphere and
provides a relatively consistent power supply.
1.2 WORKING MECHANISM
Hydropower uses water to generate electricity, plants are usually located on or near a water source. The
energy available from the moving water depends on both the volume of the water flow and the change in
elevation from one point to another. The greater the flow and the higher the elevation, the more the
electricity that can be generated.
Hydropower plants capture the energy of falling water to generate electricity. A turbine converts the
kinetic energy of falling water into mechanical energy. Then a generator converts the mechanical energy
from the turbine into electrical energy.
A hydro power plant consists of the
following parts:
Reservoir: It stores the water and
raises the water level of the river to
create falling water. Also controls the
flow of water.
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Turbine: The force of falling water pushing against the turbine's blades causes the turbine to
spin. A water turbine is much like a windmill, except the energy is provided by falling water
instead of wind. The turbine converts the kinetic energy of falling water into mechanical energy.
Generator: Connected to the turbine by shafts and possibly gears so when the turbine spins it
causes the generator to spin also. Converts the mechanical energy from the turbine into electric
energy. Generators in hydropower plants work just like the generators in other types of power
plants
Transmission line: They conduct electricity from the hydropower plant and distribute it to
homes and businesses.
How Much Electricity Can a Hydroelectric Plant Make?
The amount of electricity a hydropower plant produces depends on two factors:
How far the water falls: The farther the water falls, the more power it has. Generally, the
distance that the water falls depends on the size of the dam. The higher the dam, the farther the
water falls and the more power it has. Scientists would say that the power of falling water is
"directly proportional" to the distance
Amount of water flowing in the river: More water falling through the turbine will
produce more power. The amount of water available depends on the amount of water flowing
down the river. Bigger rivers have more flowing water and can produce more energy. Power is
also "directly proportional" to river flow.
CHAPTER 2
2.1 Global potential and Nepal’s
potential in hydroelectricity
Hydroelectric power is currently one of the
largest sources of renewable energy in the
world, accounting for around 14.4% of
global electricity generation. According to
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the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydroelectricity has the potential to provide up to 26% of the
world's electricity by 2050.
The potential for hydroelectric power generation varies greatly by region, depending on factors such as
topography, water availability, and economic considerations. Some countries, such as Norway, Canada,
and Brazil, have a large share of their electricity generated by hydropower, while other countries have
limited potential due to their geography or water resources. In terms of untapped potential, the IEA
estimates that the technically feasible global potential for hydropower is around 14,000 terawatt-hours
(TWh) per year, which is nearly four times the current global hydropower generation. However, the
actual amount of hydropower that can be developed will depend on a range of factors, including
environmental considerations, social impacts, and economic feasibility. Nepal has significant potential in
hydroelectricity, thanks to its abundance of mountainous terrain and numerous rivers and streams.
According to the International Hydropower Association, Nepal has the potential to generate
approximately 83,000 megawatts (MW) of hydropower, which is more than 40 times its current installed
capacity. However, currently, Nepal only generates around 1,000 MW of hydropower, which is less than
2% of its potential.
Despite its significant potential, the development of hydropower in Nepal has been slow due to various
factors such as lack of investment, political instability, and limited technical expertise. However, in recent
years, the Nepalese government has made efforts to promote hydropower development and has attracted
foreign investment in the sector. If Nepal can harness hydro power potential then Nepal could be the
major player in the energy sector in South Asia and significantly boost the economy.
2.2 Types of Hydro power plant
There are mainly three types of hydropower facilities. They are:
01. Impoundment hydro power plant: These are the
most common type of hydro power plants and
involve the construction of a dam on a river or
other waterway to create a reservoir. The water
from the reservoir is then released through turbines
to generate electricity.
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02. Diversion hydro power plant: These plants divert a portion of the water from a river or other
waterway through a canal or pipeline to a turbine. They are typically used in areas where there is
not enough flow to support a large impoundment or run-of-river plant.
03. Pumped storage hydro power plant: These
plants use two reservoirs at different elevations
to store and generate electricity. During periods
of low demand, water is pumped from the
lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. During
periods of high demand, the water is released
back down to the lower reservoir through
turbines to generate electricity.
2.3 Types of hydropower plant dam
01. Gravity dams: These are the most common type of
dam used in hydropower generation. They are
constructed of concrete and are designed to resist the
force of the water by their weight.
02. Embankment dams: These dams are
constructed of compacted earth or rock and are
used in areas where concrete is not readily
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available or cost-effective. They are designed to resist the force of the water by the weight of the
embankment.
03. Arc dams: These dams are curved in shape and rely on the
strength of the arch to resist the force of the water. They are
often used in narrow canyons or valleys where there is
limited space for a wide base.
04. Buttress dams: These dams are similar to concrete
gravity dams, but they are supported by buttresses or
supports on the downstream side. They are often
used in areas where the foundation is not strong
enough to support the weight of a gravity dam.
2.3 Types of turbines
01. Impulse turbine:
Peloton turbine: This turbine is designed to operate at high heads
and low flows. It uses water jets that strike buckets attached to a
wheel to generate torque and rotate the turbine.
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Crossflow turbine: This turbine is a type of impulse turbine that uses the kinetic energy
of water to generate mechanical energy. It is often used in small-scale hydropower
systems.
02. Reaction turbine:
Kaplan turbine: This turbine is a propeller-type turbine that is
used in low head, high flow applications. It has adjustable
blades that allow for efficient operation over a wide range of
water flow rates and heads.
Francis turbine: This is the most widely used
turbine in hydropower generation. It is a reaction
turbine that works by converting the kinetic
energy of water into mechanical energy. It is used
in medium to high head applications.
CHAPTER 3
3.1 Development of hydropower in Nepal
The development of hydropower in Nepal has been a priority for the Nepalese government for many
years, as the significant potential for hydropower generation.
Some keys development in the development of hydropower in Nepal are:
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) was established in 1985, which is responsible for the planning,
construction, and operation of hydropower projects in Nepal.
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The National Energy Crisis Prevention and Electricity Development Decade (2016-2026) has
been announced with a plan to generate 15,000 MW of electricity within 10 years to address the
energy crisis and boost the economy.
The Nepal government has been actively seeking foreign investment in hydropower projects, and
several international companies have invested in hydropower projects in nepal.
Several large-scale hydropower projects are currently under construction in Nepal, including the
Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower project and the Budhi
Gandaki Hydropower project.
The government has also encouraged private sector participation in the development of
hydropower projects and several private companies have invested in smaller hydropower projects
in Nepal.
Overall, the development of hydropower in Nepal has faced several challenges, including political
instability, financing issues, and technical difficulties. However, the Nepalese government's commitment
to developing hydropower, along with foreign investment and private sector participation, is expected to
help overcome these challenges and boost hydropower development in the country.
3.2 Major hydro projects in Nepal
1.Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project:
Located in Dolakha district, it's one of the largest hydro projects in Nepal with a capacity of 456 MW. It
aims to harness the potential of the Tamakoshi River.
2.Upper Karnali Hydropower Project:
Situated in the Karnali River basin, it has a planned capacity of 900 MW. It's a run-of-the-river project
designed to generate electricity for both domestic use and export.
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3.Arun III Hydropower Project:
Located in the Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur districts, it's a large-scale project with a planned capacity of
900 MW. It utilizes the Arun River to generate electricity.
4.Upper Marsyangdi Hydropower Project:
Harnessing the Marsyangdi River's potential, this project aims to generate 600 MW of electricity. It's
located in the Lamjung and Manang districts.
5.Middle Marsyangdi Hydropower Project:
Another project on the Marsyangdi River, it has a planned capacity of 70 MW. It's designed to
supplement the energy needs of the region.
6.Lower Hewa Khola Hydropower Project:
Located in the Taplejung district, it's a run-of-the-river project with a capacity of 55 MW. It utilizes the
water from the Hewa Khola River.
7.Kulekhani Hydropower Project:
Situated in the Makwanpur district, it's one of the oldest hydro projects in Nepal. It consists of two power
stations, with a combined capacity of 92 MW, harnessing the water from the Kulekhani River.
8.Chameliya Hydropower Project:
Located in the Darchula district, it's a run-of-the-river project with a planned capacity of 30 MW. It
utilizes the water from the Chameliya River.
9.Rahughat Hydropower Project:
Situated in the Nawalparasi district, it's a run-of-the-river project with a capacity of 32 MW. It harnesses
the water from the Rahughat Khola.
10. West Seti Hydroelectric Project:
This project is located in the Far Western region of Nepal with a planned capacity of 750 MW.
3.3 A Brief introduction to Kaligandaki Hydroproject
The Kaligandaki Hydroelectric Project is one of the major hydropower projects in Nepal.
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Location: The Kaligandaki Hydroelectric Project is located on the Kaligandaki River in the Syangja
district of Nepal. The river is one of the major tributaries of the Gandaki River, which is a significant
river system in Nepal.
Capacity: The installed capacity of the Kaligandaki Hydroelectric Project is 144 MW.
Type: The project is a run-of-the-river type hydroelectric plant, meaning it utilizes the natural flow and
elevation drop of the river to generate electricity without the need for a large reservoir.
Operation: The Kaligandaki Hydroelectric Project commenced operation in 2002. It generates electricity
by diverting water from the Kaligandaki River through a tunnel and channeling it to the powerhouse,
where it drives turbines to produce electricity.
Contribution: The project significantly contributes to Nepal's energy generation capacity, providing a
stable supply of electricity to the national grid. It plays a crucial role in meeting the country's growing
energy demands and reducing dependency on imported energy sources.
Impact: In addition to providing electricity, the Kaligandaki Hydroelectric Project has positive impacts
on the local economy through employment generation during construction and ongoing operation. It also
promotes infrastructure development and supports regional development initiatives.
3.4 My experience in visiting kaligandaki Hydro project
Visiting the Kaligandaki Hydro Project was an illuminating experience that provided invaluable insights
into Nepal's hydroelectric sector and the intricate process of generating clean and renewable energy.
Below, I recount my observations and reflections from the visit:
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Upon arriving at the site of the Kaligandaki Hydro Project in the Syangja district, I was immediately
struck by the stunning natural beauty of the area, with the majestic Kaligandaki River flowing through the
landscape. The sheer scale of the project's infrastructure left me awestruck, with the dam and powerhouse
towering over the surrounding mountains.
During the guided tour of the project facilities, I was given a thorough understanding of the technical and
operational aspects of hydroelectric power generation. From the intake structures that divert water from
the river to the turbines that convert kinetic energy into electricity, every aspect of the project's operation
was carefully explained, highlighting the efficiency and innovation that is driving Nepal's hydropower
sector. One of the standout aspects of the visit was the project's commitment to environmental
conservation and sustainability. Measures such as fish ladders and sedimentation ponds were
implemented to minimize the project's impact on local ecosystems and maintain the ecological balance of
the Kaligandaki River. This underscored the importance of balancing energy development with
environmental stewardship. I was also impressed by the project's efforts to engage with local
communities and mitigate potential socio-economic impacts. Initiatives such as livelihood support
programs, infrastructure development projects, and job opportunities for local residents demonstrated the
project's commitment to fostering positive socio-economic outcomes and enhancing community well-
being.
In conclusion, my visit to the Kaligandaki Hydro Project was an enriching experience that deepened my
appreciation for the role of hydropower in Nepal's energy landscape. Witnessing firsthand the ingenuity
and dedication of the project team, coupled with the project's socio-economic and environmental
considerations, left a lasting impression on me. It reinforced my belief in the transformative power of
renewable energy and inspired me to contribute to Nepal's sustainable development journey.
3.5 Some Pictures of Kaligandaki Hydropower
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CHAPTER 4
4.1 Environmental Impacts of Hydropower
Hydropower can have both positive and negative environmental impacts, depending on how it is
developed and managed. Some of the potential environmental impacts of hydropower include:
The construction of hydropower dams and reservoirs can alter natural water flow, sediment
transport, and temperature regimes, which can negatively affect aquatic ecosystems and fish
populations.
Hydropower projects can result in the loss of wildlife habitat and displacement of wildlife,
particularly if dams or reservoirs are built in areas with high biodiversity.
While hydropower is considered a renewable energy source, the creation of reservoirs can lead to
the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as organic matter decomposes in the flooded
areas.
The construction of dams and reservoirs can pose risks to downstream communities and
ecosystems if there is a dam failure, which can cause significant damage to property,
infrastructure, and loss of life.
The construction of hydropower projects can also have cultural and social impacts, particularly if
they displace indigenous or local communities, or if there are impacts on traditional ways of life
and cultural practices.
However, it is worth noting that hydropower is generally considered a relatively low-impact form of
renewable energy when compared to other forms of energy generation, such as fossil fuel-based power
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plants. The specific environmental impacts of a hydropower project will depend on a range of factors,
including its location, size, and design, as well as how it is operated and managed.
REFERENCES
I visited Tinau hydropower and took help from my physics teachers MR. SURAJ KC and MR.
CHANDRA KC. I also searched for various articles and news in different websites, some of them are:
https://chat.openai.com/
https://www.doed.gov.np
https://www.tuiost.edu.np/storage/notice/f-edited966.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydropower
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