Nepal bet nearly everything on hydropower - the floods show why that's a problem

Nepal's recent flood disaster, which damaged 12 hydropower plants and wiped out over 10% of its electricity capacity, underscores a critical energy policy challenge for the nation and potentially for other Himalayan economies. While Nepal has successfully expanded hydropower to provide 24-hour power to most households by 2018, its near-total reliance on this single source now presents a clear vulnerability. The incident prompts a necessary re-evaluation of its energy strategy, especially as climate-related events become more frequent. Rajan Dhakal of the Nepal Electricity Authority suggests exploring reservoir-based plants, which offer greater resilience but come with significant economic and environmental costs. This situation points to a broader need for diversification in Asia's energy mix, particularly in regions susceptible to climate change impacts. Renewable energy expert Kushal Gurung advocates for Nepal to embrace solar and wind power, urging a revision of its current pro-hydropower policy. The long-term implication for Nepal is a potential shift away from its singular focus on hydropower exports, which currently generate $200 million annually, towards a more balanced and resilient domestic energy infrastructure that integrates multiple renewable sources.