In a significant step towards optimizing Nepal’s hydropower potential, the French Embassy, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and Blue Water Intelligence (BWI) have launched the HydroNepal Project. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this pioneering initiative was signed at the NEA head office in Kathmandu on Friday, marking a new chapter in Nepal’s hydropower sector.
The HydroNepal Project aims to digitally transform the country’s river basins, enhancing the management and utilization of its vast hydropower resources while improving preparedness for hydrological risks. The project will focus on digitizing river basin data and providing advanced hydrological insights, such as river discharge forecasts, flow duration curves, and flow frequency analysis—even for ungauged rivers. By integrating AI-powered hydrological modeling, the initiative will enable more accurate and efficient data acquisition for hydropower projects across Nepal, according to the Embassy of France in Nepal.
The collaboration between NEA, BWI, and academic institutions such as Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (CDHM) will deepen understanding of the region’s hydrological processes, particularly in the context of climate change and its impact on hydropower generation.
At the MoU signing ceremony at NEA headquarters, NEA MD Kul Man Ghising and BWI CEO Jeremy Fain were joined by the Ambassador of France to Nepal, Virginie Corteval. Ambassador Corteval emphasized France’s commitment to Nepal’s sustainable energy future, stating, “The HydroNepal project is a testament to the strong partnership between our two countries in advancing clean energy. France is proud to contribute to Nepal’s efforts to harness its hydropower potential while also enhancing its resilience to climate change.”
NEA MD Ghising highlighted the collaborative potential of the project, stating, “Let us work together to make this initiative a success. This historic moment of cooperation marks the foundation for future fruitful partnerships between Nepal and France.”
BWI, a French private company specializing in AI-powered hydrological forecasts, will lead the digitization efforts. With a presence in South Asia, Africa, Central America, and Europe, BWI is committed to providing data-driven solutions for hydrological management and risk mitigation.
The HydroNepal Project is set to play a crucial role in Nepal’s transition to sustainable, low-carbon energy development, supporting the country’s hydropower sector amidst the challenges of a changing climate. The initiative is expected to further strengthen Nepal’s hydropower industry and its resilience to environmental risks.
