Top 10 Largest Dams in Nepal: Power, Location, and Capacity

Nepal, with its abundant river systems and mountainous terrain, is ideally suited for hydroelectric power generation. The country has made significant investments in dams and hydroelectric projects to harness the energy potential of its rivers, while also managing water resources for agriculture and flood control. In this article, we explore the top 10 largest dams in Nepal, focusing on their power output, location, river, and capacity.

1. Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Plant

• Location: Dolakha District
• River: Tamakoshi River
• Power Output: 456 megawatts (MW)
• Capacity: 12 million cubic meters
  Upper Tamakoshi is Nepal’s largest hydroelectric plant and a key component of the country’s energy strategy. Located on the Tamakoshi River, this plant generates 456 MW of power, which contributes significantly to Nepal’s energy grid. The reservoir is used to store water for power generation and to manage seasonal flow variations.

2. Kali Gandaki A Hydroelectric Station

• Location: Syangja District
• River: Kali Gandaki River
• Power Output: 144 megawatts (MW)
• Capacity: 7 million cubic meters
  Kali Gandaki A is the largest operational hydroelectric plant in Nepal. The dam, built on the Kali Gandaki River, generates 144 MW of electricity and plays a vital role in flood control and water management for irrigation in the surrounding areas.

3. Middle Marsyangdi Hydroelectric Project

• Location: Lamjung District
• River: Marsyangdi River
• Power Output: 70 megawatts (MW)
• Capacity: 2 million cubic meters
  Middle Marsyangdi is one of the major hydroelectric plants in Nepal, generating 70 MW of electricity. Located on the Marsyangdi River, the dam also supports irrigation and flood control. Its reservoir helps stabilize water flow for electricity production and agriculture.

4. Kulekhani I Hydroelectric Plant

• Location: Makwanpur District
• River: Kulekhani River
• Power Output: 60 megawatts (MW)
• Capacity: 85 million cubic meters
  Kulekhani I is Nepal’s only reservoir-based hydroelectric plant, storing water for year-round electricity generation. The plant produces 60 MW of power, and its large reservoir is crucial for managing water supply during the dry season. It also supports flood control and irrigation.

5. Kulekhani II Hydroelectric Plant

• Location: Makwanpur District
• River: Kulekhani River
• Power Output: 32 megawatts (MW)
• Capacity: Shared with Kulekhani I
  Kulekhani II is an extension of the Kulekhani I project and uses the same reservoir for power generation. It generates an additional 32 MW of electricity, further enhancing the energy output from this critical infrastructure in Nepal’s central region.

6. Marsyangdi Hydroelectric Station

• Location: Lamjung District
• River: Marsyangdi River
• Power Output: 69 megawatts (MW)
• Capacity: 4.4 million cubic meters
  The Marsyangdi Hydroelectric Station is one of Nepal’s significant hydro projects. It generates 69 MW of electricity from the Marsyangdi River and helps manage water resources for irrigation and flood control. Its reservoir also supports local agriculture by regulating river flow.

7. Upper Trishuli-1 Hydroelectric Project

• Location: Rasuwa District
• River: Trishuli River
• Power Output: 216 megawatts (MW)
• Capacity: 3.5 million cubic meters
  Upper Trishuli-1 is a large hydroelectric project in northern Nepal. With a power output of 216 MW, it is one of the largest energy producers in the country. The dam helps manage the Trishuli River’s flow, providing essential water for irrigation and flood control.

8. Upper Bhotekoshi Hydroelectric Plant

• Location: Sindhupalchok District
• River: Bhotekoshi River
• Power Output: 45 megawatts (MW)
• Capacity: 1 million cubic meters
  Upper Bhotekoshi generates 45 MW of electricity from the Bhotekoshi River. It is known for its efficient use of water resources, providing energy to the national grid while also supporting local irrigation and flood management efforts.

9. Upper Modi Hydroelectric Project

• Location: Kaski District
• River: Modi River
• Power Output: 42 megawatts (MW)
• Capacity: 600,000 cubic meters
  The Upper Modi Hydroelectric Project generates 42 MW of electricity from the Modi River. It is a run-of-the-river project that provides clean energy to the region and supports local water management for agriculture.

10. Chameliya Hydroelectric Project

• Location: Darchula District
• River: Chameliya River
• Power Output: 30 megawatts (MW)
• Capacity: 1.2 million cubic meters
  Chameliya Hydroelectric Project, located in far western Nepal, generates 30 MW of electricity. The project is vital for providing power to remote areas and managing water resources for irrigation and flood control in the region.

Conclusion

Nepal’s largest dams are crucial for hydroelectric power generation, water management, and flood control. From the massive Upper Tamakoshi project to the smaller, but equally important, Chameliya Dam, these structures provide essential services for the country’s energy needs and agricultural sector. As Nepal continues to develop its renewable energy infrastructure, these dams will remain key to supporting the country’s sustainable growth.