Kathmandu . Nepal has taken a significant step forward in its journey towards sustainable energy development, with three of its hydropower projects qualifying for the prestigious International Hydropower Association (IHA) Blue Planet Prize 2025.
The projects-Mai Beni Hydropower Project (HPP), Chuwa Khola Cascade Hydropower Project (HEP), and Upper Chuwa Lurupya Khola HEP-have been shortlisted among 14 projects globally, reinforcing Nepal’s commitment to aligning hydropower growth with internationally recognized sustainability standards.
The IHA Blue Planet Prize celebrates outstanding achievement in sustainable hydropower development and is awarded to projects that have been assessed under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) within a designated timeframe, in this case between 1 July 2023 and 13 June 2025.
The winners will be announced during the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower, which is set to take place at UNESCO House in Paris on 9 and 10 September 2025.
Nepal’s progress is reflected in the strong performance of the selected projects. The Mai Beni HPP, a 9.51-megawatt plant located in Ilam, achieved Gold Certification, signifying exceptional practices in environmental management, community engagement, and operational excellence.
Similarly, the Chuwa Khola Cascade HEP with a capacity of 98.17 megawatts and the Upper Chuwa Lurupya Khola HEP with 110.20 megawatts-both situated in Humla district-have earned Certified status under the HSS, showcasing adherence to global best practices across a range of sustainability criteria. Furthermore, four additional Nepali hydropower projects are currently undergoing formal HSS assessments, underscoring the nation’s broader dedication to responsible and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association, praised Nepal’s efforts, stating that it is encouraging to see so many Nepalese projects adopting the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. He highlighted that Nepal, with its natural abundance of mountains and water, is among the fastest-growing hydropower developers globally, and its ecological fragility makes the emphasis on sustainability all the more important.
According to him, the qualification of three projects for the Blue Planet Prize is proof that Nepal is placing sustainability at the center of its hydropower expansion. Rich also mentioned that IHA opened its Himalayas Office in Kathmandu last year to support these developments and congratulated all nominees, expressing excitement about the upcoming announcement of the winners in Paris.
Alain Kilajian, Deputy Executive Director of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, shared that Nepal’s natural advantages make it ideal for hydropower, yet challenges related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks remain.
He noted that the teams behind these projects have shown genuine dedication to doing things right-by building trust with local communities and focusing on long-term climate resilience. He said the prize qualification demonstrates what can be achieved through a true commitment to sustainable development.
Bhanu Pokharel, Managing Director of Urja Developers, emphasized that incorporating environmental, social, and governance considerations into business strategies is no longer optional but a responsibility toward the planet and future generations.
He said the qualification of the Mai Beni Hydropower Project for the Blue Planet Prize is encouraging and reflects the company’s focus on sustainability. Likewise, Sushil Pokharel, Vice-Chair of the IHA and founder of Bizbell, remarked that Nepal’s adoption of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard is a clear indicator of its commitment to excellence, accountability, and responsible energy growth. He added that this milestone sets an example not only for Nepal but also for the broader South Asian region to pursue clean, inclusive, and sustainable development.
As Nepal continues its journey toward energy independence, it is also positioning itself as a regional leader in climate resilience and environmental stewardship. The country’s approach to hydropower development seeks to balance economic progress with the protection of fragile ecosystems and the upliftment of local communities. By harnessing the power of its rivers through responsible means, Nepal is creating a legacy of clean energy that could inspire generations to come.
The Hydropower Sustainability Standard, under which these projects were evaluated, serves as a rigorous certification framework to ensure that hydropower projects meet high standards of social and environmental accountability.
The International Hydropower Association, through its global network, remains committed to advancing hydropower that is not just powerful-but also sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with the urgent goals of climate action.