Kathmandu-Environmental Impact Assessment reports of 11 hydropower projects were made public in the first six months of the current fiscal year. Some reports have been approved, while others remain under review.

The 19 disclosed projects have a combined capacity of 1,530 MW. Eleven projects carry an estimated cost exceeding Rs 349 billion.

The Ministry of Forests and Environment published reports for the 98.17 MW Chuwa Khola project, 570 MW Humla Karnali 1 and 2, 306 MW Upper Mugu Karnali, and 35.15 MW Upper Apsuwa Khola. Other projects include Rolwaling Khola, 32 MW Karuwa Seti, 24.41 MW Super Inkhu Khola, 24.22 MW Upper Inkhu Khola, 30 MW Myardi Khola, and the 328 MW Bhrarbung reservoir project.

Chuwa Khola Hydropower Project
The 98.17 MW semi reservoir Chuwa Khola project will be built in Humla at an estimated cost of Rs 17.69 billion. The capacity increased from 70 MW. Construction will take four years. The developer changed from Super Mugu Karnali Hydropower to Bijbel Pvt Ltd. The survey licence was issued in 2076 BS and expired in 2080 BS. The project is seeking a generation licence.

Humla Karnali 1 and 2
Two projects with a combined 570 MW capacity are planned in Karnali Province. Ruru Hydropower Project Limited is the promoter. Total cost is estimated at Rs 130 billion.

Humla Karnali 1 will generate 235 MW at a cost above Rs 57.27 billion. It will include a 22 metre dam, an eight kilometre tunnel, and an underground powerhouse. Annual generation is projected at 1,531 GWh.

Humla Karnali 2 will generate 335 MW at an estimated cost of Rs 72.90 billion. It will include a 62 metre dam, two diversion tunnels, a 12 kilometre headrace tunnel, and a surface powerhouse. Annual generation is projected at 1,795 GWh.

Upper Mugu Karnali Hydropower Project
The 306 MW project in Mugu is promoted by Elevate Energy Pvt Ltd. It is expected to generate 1,629.25 GWh annually. The dam will be 27 metres high and create a 2,565.5 metre reservoir. The project requires 37.87 hectares of government land and 15.19 hectares of private land. Estimated cost is Rs 55.33 billion with a five year construction period.

Upper Apsuwa Khola Hydropower Project
The 35.15 MW project in Sankhuwasabha will be built by Ramjanaki Hydropower. It will use 9.25 cubic metres per second of water. The project includes a diversion weir, sedimentation pond, underground waterway, and surface powerhouse. It requires 2.84 hectares of private land and 9.44 hectares inside Makalu Barun buffer zone. Estimated cost is Rs 6.11 billion. Construction will take four years. The EIA has been approved.

Rolwaling Khola Hydropower Project
The 88 MW project in Dolakha will cost Rs 15.10 billion. The run of river project includes a 6 metre high dam. Construction will take four years. The developer is HED Energy Pvt Ltd.

Bhrarbung Reservoir Project
The 328 MW reservoir project in Dolpa is estimated to cost about Rs 133.31 billion. It will generate 325 MW from the Bhrarbung River and 3.10 MW from Tatu Khola. The project includes a 169 metre dam, a 16 kilometre headrace tunnel, and an underground powerhouse. Annual generation is projected at 933.195 GWh. The project has high costs due to its Himalayan location.

Upper Inkhu Khola Hydropower Project
The 24.22 MW project in Solukhumbu will cost Rs 6.24 billion. It is expected to generate 146.62 GWh annually. The project includes a weir, intake, underground powerhouse, a 17 kilometre access road, and a 30 metre bridge.

Super Inkhu Khola Hydropower Project
The 24.41 MW project in Solukhumbu will cost Rs 4.94 billion and generate 143.04 GWh annually. It requires 18.70 hectares inside Makalu Barun buffer zone. The project includes an underground powerhouse, an 11 kilometre access road, and a 35 metre bridge.

Karuwa Seti Hydropower Project
The 32 MW project in Kaski will cost Rs 6.68 billion. It includes a dam, intake, headrace tunnel, surge shaft, powerhouse, and tailrace.

Myardi Khola Hydropower Project
The 30 MW project in Lamjung will cost Rs 3.91 billion. It requires 10.84 hectares of land, including private land and forest area inside the Annapurna Conservation Area.