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 the beginning of 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. This will include digitizing river basin data and providing advanced hydrological insights, such as river discharge forecasts, flow duration curves, and flow frequency analysis— even for rivers that have not been gauged. By integrating cutting-edge AI-powered hydrological modeling, the project 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 also deepen understanding of the region’s hydrological processes, especially in the context of climate change and its potential impact on hydropower generation.

The MoU signing ceremony took place at the NEA headquarters, where NEA MD Kul Man Ghising and CEO of BWI Jeremy Fain were joined by Ambassador of France to Nepal Virginie Corteval. On the occasion, Ambassador Corteval expressed 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 also spoke about the collaborative potential of the project, saying, “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.”

The BWI, a French private company specializing in AI-powered hydrological forecasts, will spearhead the digitization efforts. With a presence across South Asia, Africa, Central America, and Europe, BWI is dedicated to providing data-driven solutions to governments and businesses looking to improve hydrological management and risk mitigation.

The HydroNepal Project is poised to play a pivotal role in Nepal’s transition towards sustainable, low-carbon energy development and to support the country’s hydropower sector amidst the challenges of a changing climate. This initiative is expected to further help boost Nepal's hydropower sector.