NEPAL ENGINEERING COUNCIL

LICENSE EXAMINATION PREPARATION COURSE

FOR
CIVIL ENGINEERS
on
Hydropower Engineering

-Er. Babu Ram Karki

8. Hydropower Engineering

Fig: Dam site of Budhigandaki Hydropower project

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8. Hydropower Engineering
Hydropower is defined as the source of renewable energy formed by
the movement of flowing mass of water on the surface of the earth. It
gives number of times energy production without change of its physical
properties.
• In hydropower plant the water is utilized to move the turbines which
in turn run the electric generators. The potential energy of the water
stored in the dam gets converted into the kinetic energy of the
moving water in the penstock.
• And this kinetic energy gets converted into the electrical energy with
the help of turbine and generator combination
Water Turbine Generator

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8. Hydropower Engineering
Advantages:
• Renewable source of energy.
• Low operation and maintenance cost
• Environmental friendly and non polluting.
• Very efficient for peaking load
(Operational flexibility i.e. opening and
closing can be done as desired)
• Can be use as multi-purpose project
(flood control, water supply, irrigation)
• Long span of life
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8. Hydropower Engineering
Disadvantages:
• Long time for construction
• Large initial investment cost
• Submergence leading to the ecological
imbalance, resettlement etc
• Necessity of costly transmission and
distribution network
• Sedimentation and landslide problem

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8. Hydropower Engineering
8.1 Planning of hydropower projects

8.2 Power and energy potential study

8.3 Head works of storage plants

8.4 Head works of run-of-river (ROR) plants

8.5 Water conveyance structures

8.6 Hydro-electric machines and powerhouse

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2/13/2024 Water Supply, Sanitation and Environment 7
8. HYDROPOWER

Nepal Engineering Council Registration Examination [as per Civil Engineering Syllabus (ACiE08)] -Er. Mani Shrestha
8.1 Planning of hydropower projects
8.1.1 Power potential (gross, technical, and economic) of Nepal and the
world

8.1.2 Stages of hydropower development in Nepal

8.1.3 Hydropower development in Nepal (history, policy, acts, and

regulation)

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Energy Sources in Nepal

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Energy Consumption in Nepal

WECS Energy Synopsis Report 2023

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8.1 Planning of hydropower projects
• Initial stage of work of any hydropower
development

• Involves estimation of present demand,

forecasting for future and generation of
alternative energy source

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8.1.1 Power Potential of Nepal
Potential Energy = m.g.h
where, m, g, h has their common notations

So, Power Potential = Rate of change of potential energy

= m.g.h/t
= V. ρ . g. h/t
= Q. γ . h

Hence, Power Potential of a River is calculated by the given equation,

P = 9.81 n Q H (kW)

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8.1.1 Power Potential of Nepal
Types of potential:
(i) Theoretical/ Gross potential

(ii) Technically feasible potential

(iii) Economically feasible potential

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8.1.1 Power Potential of Nepal
1. Theoretical potential (Gross potential):
It is the power potential of all sources of flow of water i.e. theoretical
power possible to generate.
Power = P =  γ Q H
Where  γ Q H have their usual notations

Gross potential of Nepal: 83000 MW

[By Dr. Hari Man Shrestha in 1966 AD during his research while in Moscow Plant
Institute ]

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8.1.1 Power Potential of Nepal
2. Technically feasible potential:
• It is that part of theoretical/gross potential which can be utilized with
the help of construction of hydropower station i.e. power which is
technically feasible.

• It depends on unfavorable geology, topography, climate, and

accessibility.

• Technically feasible potential of Nepal: 44000 MW

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8.1.1 Power Potential of Nepal
3. Economically feasible potential:
• Technically feasible projects can’t be implemented if they donot give a
good return once the investment is made.
• IRR/BCR/MAAR (prevailing interest rate) is tools for hydropower for
economic analysis.
• If IRR higher than prevailing interest rate OR B/C ratio greater than 1,
projects are usually consider economically feasible.
• Economically feasible potential of Nepal: 42000 MW

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8.1.1 Power Potential of Nepal
Hydropower potential of Nepal
• Huge potential of water resources compared to country size.
• More than 6000 rivers and streams
• Topography changes from elevation 8848m to less than 60m within short distance
of 160 – 270 km from North to South
• Average annual precipitation is about 1500mm
• Annual runoff (surface) of Nepal = 0.5% of total world's surface runoff.
• Total surface runoff of Nepal including from Tibet is about = 200 B. m3 (Billion m3)
• Total annual surface run off inside Nepalese territory = 174 B. m3

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8.1.1 Power Potential of Nepal

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8.1.1 Power Potential of Nepal
• Major river basins are Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali and Mahakali
• Karnali and Mahakali river basins have a catchment area of 48,811 km2 and 16,097 km2,
with approximate hydropower potential of 36,180 MW (the watershed area of the
Mahakali River lies in India and Nepal)

• Gandaki river basin has a catchment area of 36,607 km2 and approximate hydro
potential of 20,650 MW

• Koshi river basin has a catchment area of 57,700 km2 and hydro potential of 22,350 MW
(the watershed area lies in Tibet/China and Nepal)

• Other river basins (i.e., southern rivers) have a catchment area of 3,070 km2 and hydro
potential of 4,110 MW

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8.1.1.1 Power Potential of the World

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8.1.1.1 Power Potential of the World
The Installed global hydropower capacity reached 1,397 GW in 2022, as
per 2023 Hydropower status reports by IHA
The world leader in total installed hydropower capacity are:
1. China (414.8 GW),
2. Brazil (109.7 GW),
3. U.S.A (102.0 GW),
4. Canada (83.3 GW) and
5. Russia (55.8 GW)

2023 Hydropower status report

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Hydropower Engineering
8.1.1.1 Power Potential of the World
1. Gross potential = 38,606.913 TWh/yr
2. Technically feasible potential = 14,604.209 TWh/yr [37.8%]
3. Economically feasible potential = 8,771.502 TWh/yr [22.72%]
World’s biggest hydroelectric power plants:
• Three Gorges Dam (China)– 22.5GW
• Itaipu, Brazil & Paraguay – 14GW, Xiluodu, China – 13.86GW

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8.1.2 Stage of Hydropower Development
A. Preconstruction phase (3 – 4 yrs)
• Planning phase
• Reconnaissance studies
• Pre-feasibility study
• Feasibility study
• Detailed Engineering Design
B. Construction/Implementation phase(4 – 6 yrs)
• Tendering, contracting and construction
phase
C. Operation and Maintenance phase (40 – 60
yrs)

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8.1.2 Stage of Hydropower Development
Exploration and Identification of potential sites:
• The first stage of hydropower development in Nepal involves identifying potential
sites for the construction of hydropower projects. The government, along with
private developers, carries out surveys and studies to identify sites with suitable
hydrological and topographical conditions.

Feasibility study and site selection:

• Once potential sites are identified, the feasibility of constructing a hydropower
project at the site is studied. This includes conducting geotechnical surveys,
environmental impact assessments, and financial viability studies. Based on the
results of these studies, the most suitable site is selected for further
development.

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8.1.2 Stage of Hydropower Development
Design and engineering:
• After site selection, the project design and engineering is carried out, which
includes detailed designs of the dam, intake, penstock, turbine, and other
components. The design also takes into account the environmental and social
impact of the project, as well as the safety and reliability of the infrastructure.

Construction and installation:

• The construction and installation stage involves building the infrastructure and
installing equipment at the site. This includes building the dam, intake,
powerhouse, and transmission lines, as well as installing the turbines, generators,
and other equipment

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8.1.2 Stage of Hydropower Development
Commissioning and testing:
• Once the construction is completed, the hydropower project is commissioned,
and the equipment is tested to ensure that it operates as per the design
specifications. This includes testing the turbines, generators, and other
equipment under different operating conditions.

Operation and maintenance:

• After successful commissioning, the hydropower project is put into operation,
and electricity is generated. The project requires regular maintenance and
operation to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently.

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8.1.2 Stage of Hydropower Development
Upgrading and modernization:
• Hydropower projects in Nepal also require upgrading and modernization from
time to time to improve their efficiency and extend their life. This includes
upgrading the equipment, modernizing the control systems, and implementing
new technologies to optimize the performance of the project.

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8.1.3 Hydropower Development in Nepal
Chandra Jyoti Electric power station is one of the oldest hydropower plants of Asia
and the first hydropower plant of Nepal which was established in the year 1911AD
while the first hydropower plant in china was established in 1912AD. Ironically, we
lagged behind in hydropower generation ever since.

Fig: Typical historical Hydropower development

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8.1.3 Hydropower Development in Nepal
Some facts about Chandra Jyoti Electric power station: (Pharping Hydropower
500KW)
❖Construction : 1907-1911AD
❖Inaugurated : King Pritivi Bir Bikram Shah on May 22, 1911
❖Cost: NRs 713,273.82
❖Source: Spring water from Satmule & Shesh Narayan area
❖Second Hydropower of South Asia (1st- 1898 in Sidrapong hydel, Darjeeling)
❖Declared a Living Museum by government of Nepal in 2010 AD
❖Built only 30 yrs after the installation of world’s first hydropower plant,
Vulcan Street Plant on Fox River in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1882 AD, USA

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8.1.3 Hydropower Development in Nepal
Historical Development of Hydropower in Nepal:
1911 A.D: Pharping Hydropower plant, install capacity = 500 kw
1936 A.D: Sundarijal power station - install capacity = 640 kw
1942 A.D: Sikarbas Hydropower at Chisang Khola, 677 kW, fully destroyed by landslide in
the 1960s.
[Letang Hydropower 1800 KW in 1943AD by Morang Hydro under public-private partnership]
1965 A.D: Panauti hydropower, 2.4 MW
1967 A.D: Trishuli hydropower, 12MW and upgraded later to 21 MW (Nuwakot) [37MW]
1969 A.D: Phewa hydropower, 1MW
1972 A.D: Sunkoshi hydropower, 10.05 mw
1979 A.D: Gandaki hydropower, 15 mw, Kaplan (Propeller type turbine)
1982 A.D: Kulekhani Ist Capacity, 60 mw, Makawanpur (1st storage)
1984 A.D: Devighat hydel, 14.1 mw

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8.1.3 Hydropower Development in Nepal
1985 A.D : Seti hydro-project, 15 MW
1986 A.D: Kulekhani II, 32 MW
1989 A.D: Marsangdi hydropower, 69 MW, (Tanahu)
1996 A.D: Chatara hydropower, 3.2 Mw.
1996 A.D:Tinu river butwal (1st tunneling project)-500kw
1999 A.D: Illam hydro project - 62 Mw,
2000 A.D: Madikhola hydroproject (Parbat), 14.8 Mw
2000 A.D : Khimti 60 MW (2000 AD)
2002 A.D: Kaligandaki A Hydropower, 144 Mw, (Syangja, Beltar)
2008 A.D: Mid. Marsyandi hydropower, 70 Mw
2019 AD : Upper Trishuli 3A , 60 MW
2021 A.D: Upper tamakoshi hydropower, 456 MW(biggest hpp in Nepal)

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8.1.3 Hydropower Development in Nepal
Power Plant Status in Nepal (Source- DoED until 22 dec 2023)
• Hydropower < 1MW- 14.22 MW
• Hydropower > 1MW – 2603.463 MW
• Thermal 53.41 MW
• Solar 58.38 MW

Visit website- doed.gov.np

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8.1.3 Hydropower Development in Nepal

Fig: Largest Hydropower head works of Nepal

Fig: First Hydropower powerhouse of Nepal

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8.1.3 Hydropower Development in Nepal
• The majority of hydropower projects in Nepal are run-of-river projects, which generate
electricity by diverting water from rivers and returning it downstream.

• The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is the state-owned utility responsible for
distributing electricity in Nepal.

• The government of Nepal has recently launched the Nepal Power System Master Plan,
which aims to increase the country's installed capacity to 17,000 MW by 2040, with
hydropower contributing over 80% of the total.

• In 1992, the government of Nepal has decided to open its door to private in order to
fulfill the growing electricity demand.

• Department of Electricity Development (DOED) under the Ministry of Energy (MOE) has
the authority of issuing licenses under one window policy.

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8.1.3 Hydropower Development in Nepal
Some Important Notes:

• First Hydropower – Pharping Hydropower ( 1911 AD) 500 KW

• First Hydropower from private sector – Khimti 60 MW (2000 AD)

• Largest hydropower – Upper Tamakoshi 456 MW [5th July 2021 AD, inaugurated by formal
PM KP Oli ]

• Largest hydropower before Upper Tamakoshi – Kaligandaki A 144 MW (2002)

• Storage type hydropower – Kulekhani 1st 60 MW (1982); 2nd 32 MW and 3rd 14 MW

• Largest proposed hydropower – Karnali Chisapani Multipurpose Project (10800 MW)

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8.1.3 Hydropower Development in Nepal
Government Agencies in the power sector

i. Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR)

ii. Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) - planning and policy research.

iii. Department of Electricity Development (DoED) - licensing, facilitation, promotion,

compliance monitoring and project study (regulating body under Ministry of Water
Resources).

iv. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)- public utility for transmission and distribution of
electricity (Government of Nepal undertaking company under Ministry of Water Resources,
Formed on August 16, 1985 under Electricity Authority Act 1984).

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8.1.3 Hydropower Development in Nepal
v. Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission (ETFC) - tariff setting Legal and Policy
Environment
Moreover, for the promotion of hydropower projects, the DoED has been
designated as 'One Window' under the MoWR, with following responsibilities:
• Issuance of survey and Project (generation) licenses.
• Providing concessions and incentives.
• Facilitating the import of the plant, equipments and goods required for the
project.
• Facilitating in the acquisition of government land required for the project.
• Facilitating in obtaining various permits and approvals.

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Policy(नीति), Acts(ऐन) and Regulations(तनयमावली)
• वािावरण संरक्षण तनयमावली, २०७७
• वािावरण संरक्षण ऐन, २०७६
• Hydropower Development Policy, 2058 (2001)- foreign investment in hydropower
development
• Electricity Rules, 2050 (1993)
• Electricity Act, 2049 (1992)- Management and development of electricity (Energy
production and distribution)
• Water Resource Act-2049- license, priority order for utilizing water resources:
Drinking water; Irrigation; Agricultural; Hydroelectricity; Industry, Navigation;
Recreational uses; Other uses.

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8.1.3 .2 Hydropower Development Policy
Government has adopted the Hydropower Development Policy of 2001 and
encourages both local as well as foreign investment, especially for the
development of Small Hydropower Plants.
The Hydropower Development Policy 2001 (HDP) addresses issues including
• Private sector demand,
• Need for reasonable pricing,
• Rural electrification,
• Need to raise the level of employment,
• Hydro power exports and
• Investor friendly practices.

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8.1.3 .2 Hydropower Development Policy
Objectives:
• To generate electricity at low cost utilizing water available in the
country.
• To extend reliable and quantitative electric service throughout the
country at reasonable price.
• To tie up electrification with economic activities.
• To render the support to the development of rural economy by
extending rural electrification.
• To develop hydropower as an exportable commodity.

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8.1.3 .2 Hydropower Development Policy
Commitments of Government of Nepal:
▪ Survey license: term of 5 years
▪ Generation license term: 35 years for domestic supply and 30 years for export
oriented projects
▪ Additional maximum five years for hydrological risks
▪ Projects turned over free of cost on good operating condition at the end
▪ Water rights guaranteed
▪ Foreign exchange and repatriation facility

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8.1.3 .2 Hydropower Development Policy
Procedure:
• Projects to be developed by way of competitive bidding
• BOOT (build-own-operate-transfer) model for private investment
• Respect for high standards for environment protection
• GoN to assist in land acquisition
• Royalty structure fix rate up to 1000 MW, export
projects negotiable rate above 1000 MW
• Separate agreement for developers and GoN

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 Lets move to
Multiple Choice Questions

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8.1 Multiple Choice Questions
1. Among the hydropower plants given below, ……….. is not a peaking-ROR type.
a) Kaligandaki A
b) Marsyangdi
c) Kulekhani-1
d) Upper Tamakoshi

2. What is the economically feasible power potential of Nepal?

a) 83 GW
b) 44 GW
c) 42 GW
d) 44000 GW

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8.1 Multiple Choice Questions
3. How does a hydroelectric dam generate electricity?
a) By harnessing the energy of falling water
b) By harnessing the energy of waves
c) By harnessing the energy of the sun
d) By harnessing the energy of wind

4. What is the right sequential order for Power development nowadays in case of
Nepal?
a) PPA-survey license- Testing and commissioning -financial closure
b) Survey license -PPA-financial closure-Testing and commissioning
c) Financial closure-survey license-PPA-Testing and commission
d) PPA-financial closure -Survey license-Testing and commissioning

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8.1 Multiple Choice Questions
5. Largest hydropower plant of Nepal is
(a) Kaligandaki A Hydroelectric Project
(b) Trishuli Hydroelectric Project
(c) Upper Tamor Hydroelectric Project
(d) Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project

6. Largest hydropower plant of Nepal before 2020 AD is

(a) Kaligandaki A Hydroelectric Project
(b) Trishuli Hydroelectric Project
(c) Upper Tamor Hydroelectric Project
(d) Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project

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8.1 Multiple Choice Questions
7. Largest upcomming hydropower plant of Nepal is
(a) Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project
(b) Arun III Hydroelectric Project
(c) Upper Karnali Hydroelectric Project
(d) Tila I Hydroelectric Project

8. The hydropower plant capacity of Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project is

(a) 60 MW
(b) 90 MW
(c) 48 MW
(d) 27 MW

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8.1 Multiple Choice Questions
9. The Largest hydropower project of the world is
(a) Karnali Chisapani hydropower project
(b) Upper Tamakoshi hydropower project
(c) Three George Dam hydropower project
(d) Itaipu Dam hydropower Project

10. The second largest hydropower project of the world is

(a) Baihetan Dam hydropower project
(b) Wudongde Dam hydropower project
(c) Three George Dam hydropower project
(d) Itaipu Dam hydropower Project

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8.1 Multiple Choice Questions
11. A hydro-turbine with net head 90m and discharge 10 m3/s will have the power output
of
a) 6 MW
b) 8 MW
c) 10 MW
d) 11 MW

12. A ROR type hydropower plant with 100MW installed capacity and with Q40% design
flow can generate the full capacity at least for…….. days of a year.
a) 145 days
b) 245 days
c) 300 days
d) 365 days
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8.1 Multiple Choice Questions
13. The Upper Tamakoshi hydro project has capacity of 456MW. It has head of 822 m and
design discharge of 66 m3/s. Find the overall efficiency of the project.
a) 83.5 %
b) 85.7 %
c) 87.5 %
d) 89.5 %

14. Electricity act was formulated in year …… BS

a) 2055
b) 2049
c) 2056
d) 2050

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8.1 Multiple Choice Questions
15. 400 cumecs of water are being released from dam storage to meet the downstream
demand through the turbines of the connected hydro plant. The effective head of water
acting on the turbines is 50 m. The efficiency of the hydro plant is 0.8. The electrical power
generated from this plant is
a) 1,56,800 MW b) 156.8 M kW
c) 156.8 MW d) 156.8 kW

16. PPA rate for the RoR project for the wet season is……..
a) 4.80 Nrs per unit
b) 8.40 Nrs per unit
c) 12.4 Nrs per unit
d) 7.1 Nrs per unit

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8.1 Multiple Choice Questions
17. Water for a hydroelectric power station is obtained from a reservoir with a head of 150 m.
What will be the approximate electrical power generated per hour per cubic meter of water
if mechanical (hydro) efficiency is 0.85 and electric efficiency is 0.92?
a) 1149.5 kWh
b) 1470.0 kWh
c) 945.7 kWh
d) 1350.0 kWh

18. A hydroelectric reservoir can supply water continuously at a rate of 100 m3/s. The head is
75 m. The theoretical power that can be developed is (MW)
a) 65.7
b) 68.5
c) 70.8
d) 73.5

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8.1 Multiple Choice Questions
19. Which is not the objective of the hydropower development policy
2058 B.S.
A) Utilize the existing water resource
B) To tie up electrification with economic activities
C) To extend rural electrification to support rural economic activities
D) Collect the 5% royalty to use in the other development activities

20. Hydropower energy is ………. Source of energy

A) Conventional
B) Commercial
C) Conventional Renewable
D) All of the above

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