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Avoiding load shedding and approach to 2020

Short answer

Partly agree: load-shedding was ended by 2018 through imports and better management, but lasting solution requires domestic generation. Approach up to 2020: fast-track ongoing projects, develop storage and peaking run-of-river, build transmission lines, reduce system loss, enable cross-border trade, simplify licensing, offer bankable PPAs, and promote demand-side management.

"Most of the political parties of Nepal are determined to avoid load shedding during 5 years in their manifesto." Do you agree with their commitment during this period? What approach needs to be taken for hydropower development in Nepal to meet the demand up to 2020?

Do I agree?

Yes, partly. Load shedding could be ended within about 5 years, but only if the parties follow the plan with real action. At the time, Nepal's peak demand was about 1,300-1,400 MW against a dry-season supply of only 400-500 MW. The gap could be closed by (a) completing the projects under construction, (b) importing from India, and (c) reducing losses. In practice, Nepal declared the end of load shedding in 2018 (through imports, better management and new IPP plants), so the commitment was achievable. But a lasting end needs generation inside Nepal, not only imports.

Approach to meet the demand up to 2020

  1. Complete ongoing projects quickly: Upper Tamakoshi, Tanahu, Kulekhani III, Rasuwagadhi, Chameliya and private (IPP) projects, with a target schedule and priority in clearances.
  2. Develop storage and peaking RoR projects (Budhigandaki, Tanahu, Dudhkoshi, Nalgad) to cover the dry season and the peak.
  3. Transmission and distribution: Build lines on time (Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Duhabi 400 kV, the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border line) and reduce the system loss (about 25% at the time).
  4. Import and trade: Import from India in the dry season and export in the wet season.
  5. Policy and finance: Simplify licensing, offer a bankable PPA, invest through the Investment Board, and attract foreign investment.
  6. Demand-side management: Efficient lamps, time-of-day tariffs, and a reduced industrial peak.
  7. Local participation: Promote shares for local people and community projects to reduce delays.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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