The Andhi Khola project, Nepal – Hydropower in development

The Andhi Khola 5.1MW hydropower project in west Nepal is a milestone in a strategy for sustainable development of hydropower in Nepal and a Nepali hydropower industry. It has been constructed wholly by Nepali companies, making maximum use of local resources and is one of the cheapest sources of hydroelectricity in Nepal. Nationally it has led to the establishment and/or significant growth of companies able to design, construct, operate and maintain small and medium sized hydropower plants. In the project area it has been responsible for a sustainable improvement in the standard of life for the population through the implementation of programmes such as rural electrification, irrigation and water supply. It is considered that this is a good model for hydropower development which could be replicated elsewhere.