"Karnali–Chisapani hydropower is poised to become a regional model for South Asia"

KATHMANDU, APRIL 9: Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka has expressed confidence that the Karnali–Chisapani Hydropower Project will become a shared model project for Nepal, India, China, and the entire South Asian region.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Kathmandu for the 78-megawatt Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project, recently completed in Rasuwa, Minister Khadka said that although the initial capacity of the Karnali–Chisapani project was stated to be 10,800 megawatts, technical revisions now suggest it could exceed 15,000 megawatts.

The Minister stated that if the project could be advanced through cooperation with neighboring nations such as Nepal, India, China, and Bangladesh, it could lead to a new energy revolution in South Asia, contributing to economic and social development, energy security, and ultimately, Nepal’s prosperity. He also expressed belief that such projects would further strengthen economic and people-to-people relations with friendly neighboring countries.

“We have just started exporting electricity to Bangladesh. If these four nations can collaborate to push this project forward, it can become an outstanding model of regional cooperation,” he said.

He also expressed confidence that the Karnali–Chisapani project could become a significant contributor to current international efforts aimed at addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. Highlighting Nepal’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, he said that this project would make a meaningful contribution toward meeting that target.

He noted that the project would represent a historic and significant step for ensuring energy security and transforming energy across the entire South Asian region. According to Minister Khadka, the project could also serve as an opportunity to balance geopolitical dynamics among South Asian nations. He further stated that the Karnali–Chisapani project would not only be vital for Nepal but also serve as a cornerstone for energy security across the region.