Nepal is blessed with abundant water resources combined with large geographical variations from the High Himalayas to the plain of the Terai within a short distance. Hydropower has been recognized as a
sustainable source of energy. Its benefits are that it is non-polluting in the sense that it releases no heat or noxious gases, it has low operating and maintenance costs, its technology offers reliable and flexible operation, and hydropower stations have increased efficiencies along with long life. As a cheap, renewable source of energy with negligible environmental impacts, small hydropower has an important role to play in Nepal’s future energy supply. Hydroelectricity can be utilized to boost the economic growth of the country.
Considering all these aspects, Richet Jalbidhyut Company Pvt. Ltd. was established on 12th Chaitra 2070 and converted to a public limited company on 28th Ashad 2079. Richet Khola Small Hydropower Project at the bordering river between Dharche and Arughat Rural Municipalities of Gorkha district has been identified as a potential project and got all permissions from concerned authorities to develop the project. After the successful completion of the construction of the project, electricity has been generated commercially since 28th Shrawan, 2078.
The project has been designed to cope with existing hydrological and geological conditions and the machineries are of high standard and quality. The power plant has been operated by high skilled and experienced manpower with routine maintenance.
Nepal is a country rich in water resources. This water resource is also a strong means to achieve national prosperity. If we look at the history of hydropower production in Nepal, it ranks first in South Asia. In 1897, after the 130 kW capacity project at Sidrapong in Darjeeling, India, the Farping hydroelectric powerhouse was built in Nepal in 1911. Similarly, in 1935, the Sundarijal Power Station was built, and electrification was developed in Nepal.
For a long time, hydropower production and projects were being built only at the government level, but since the last decade and a half, the participation and contribution of the private sector have been important. During the visit of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to India in May 2080, an agreement was also reached for India to purchase 10,000 megawatts of electricity produced in Nepal. This has also opened the door to huge Nepali electricity exports and has made the private sector more optimistic and enthusiastic.
Recently, due to the participation of the general public encouraged through the private sector, Nepal has been achieving significant success not only in the construction, production, and utilization of hydropower projects but also in exports. The private sector has become more enthusiastic about the concept of developing and expanding the South Asian electricity market and exporting electricity to neighboring India.
The future of Nepal’s energy development, trade, and marketing looks bright even though the government has decided that the prosperity of Nepal will be possible only through the greater development of the energy sector. The roadmap to be built with the aim of producing 28,000 megawatts, with 15,000 megawatts for export and 13,000 megawatts for internal consumption, has not only emphasized the energy development of Nepal but also seems to help in controlling the destructive consequences of global carbon emissions and climate change.
Last but not least, I would like to thank my staff, shareholders, stakeholders, and well-wishers, whose support has led us to the forefront of Nepal’s hydropower sector. I look forward to your continued support as we work towards energizing Nepal to meet its goal of sustainable socio-economic development.
Arjun Prasad Paudel
Chairman Richet Jalbidhyut Company Limited
