THESIS ABSTRACT

Abstract

Hydropower stands as a critical pillar in the global pursuit of low-carbon electricity, contributing nearly half of the world's supply. Despite its significance, the pace of hydropower development in Nepal, a country rich in hydroelectric potential, has been sluggish. Although the private sector has been contributing significantly in Nepal's energy generation, it is hard to find any study regarding how they perceive various risks. This study was undertaken to assess the major risks, their impacts, and remedial measures to be adopted for sustainable development of hydropower projects. Several risk categories and subcategories were identified from the literature. Then, questionnaire survey was carried out to rank the major risks and impacts of risks in hydropower projects. After receiving the survey data analysis was performed using Analytical Hierarchy Process. Top ten risks, impacts of risk were identified. Finally, KII survey was carried out to find out remedial measures/risk management plan for major risk and their impacts in hydropower projects of Nepal. The major risk are Inaccurate Survey data, Political change, Land Acquisition, Weak geology, Risk of Financial closure. Time overrun, Cost overrun, Delay in permission, Increased debt level, reduce profitability are found to be the major impacts. An interview with a key informant (KII) was carried out to prepare a risk management plan. Making appropriate investment in Research and Development, implementing one door policy practically, ease of hurdles in policies and acts are some major recommendations from the KII to be implemented immediately for the sustainable development of hydropower projects in Nepal.

Keywords

Analytical Hierarchy Process, Hydropower, IPP, Public Sector, Risk Management