Kathmandu, July 26 -- As many as 281 hydropower projects with a combined installed capacity of 16,425.77 megawatts await power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Nepal Electricity Authority, leaving developers who have already invested heavily in surveys and project studies uncertain about their future.

The developers claim to have spent between Rs5 million and Rs6 million per megawatt on survey licences, feasibility studies, environmental assessments and other preparatory works before reaching the PPA stage.

Since hydropower projects typically require at least five years to complete after signing a PPA, industry representatives warn that prolonged delays could create fresh electricity supply challenges in the longer term despite Nepal...