IREDA's Investment in Nepal Upper Karnali Hydropower Project

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has announced a Rs 290 crore investment in Nepal's Upper Karnali Hydro-Electric Power Project, a 10% stake in the 900 MW project.

IREDA's Investment in Upper Karnali Project

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) to invest Rs 290 crore in Nepal's Upper Karnali Hydro-Electric Power Project.
Investment represents a 10% stake in the 900 MW project.
IREDA's board of directors gave in-principle approval for this equity investment.
Pradip Kumar Das, IREDA's chairman and managing director, stated the investment aligns with their commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure and fostering international collaboration.
The investment aims to enhance regional energy security and promote sustainable development.

Upper Karnali Hydro-Electric Power Project Details

900 MW run-of-river hydropower project on the Karnali River in Nepal.
Will supply power to Nepal, India, and Bangladesh for 25 years.
Awarded to GMR Upper Karnali Hydro Power Limited (GUKHL), a subsidiary of GMR Group India, in 2008.
Developed on a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) basis.
Nepal Government received 27% free equity in the project.
Expected to generate 3,466 million units of electricity annually.
Will offset approximately two million tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
Key features include a concrete gravity dam, headrace tunnels, fish pass, and silt flushing tunnels.

About IREDA

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
Mini Ratna (Category I) Government of India Enterprise.
Under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Established in 1987 as a non-banking financial institution.
Promotes, develops, and provides financial assistance for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Motto: "ENERGY FOR EVER"
Public sector enterprise providing financial assistance and services for renewable energy projects.
Navratna organization owned by the Government of India.

Karnali River and Regional Significance

Perennial trans-boundary river originating in the Himalaya Mountains.
Longest and largest river in Nepal, stretching 315 miles.
Over 90% of the river's basin lies within Nepal.
Cuts through the Himalayas and joins the Sharda River at Brahmaghat in India.
Forms the Ghaghara River, a major left-bank tributary of the Ganges.
The project highlights the importance of international cooperation in achieving energy goals.
Utilizes Nepal's substantial hydropower potential.

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