KATHMANDU: The Department of Electricity Development (DoED) has issued construction licenses to 10 hydropower projects during the first quarter of the current fiscal year, with a combined capacity of 241.50 megawatts (MW).

According to the department’s report, it has so far granted construction permits to 266 hydropower projects across the country, with a total installed capacity of 10,825 MW.

By mid-October, the department approved construction licenses for the following projects: Lapa Khola (4.72 MW), Lower Barun (132 MW), Myagdi Khola B (12.50 MW), Lower Likhu Cascade (6 MW), Upper Melamchi (4.95 MW), Super Sabha Khola (9.55 MW), Lower Melamchi Khola (4.96 MW), Upper Seti-I (13 MW), Hongu Khola (28.90 MW), and Induwa Khola (24.92 MW).

The department stated that some project applications were rejected due to failure to submit required documents or complete necessary procedures.

In total, the department has granted survey licenses to 185 hydropower projects, while 59 projects have applied for construction permits, representing a combined capacity of 10,532 MW.

These developments reflect the department’s ongoing efforts to expand Nepal’s hydropower generation capacity and promote private-sector participation in the energy sector.