Opportunities and Challenges of introducing Francis Turbine in Nepalese Micro Hydropower Projects

Despite the initiation of the master plan, envisioned by the government of Nepal, complete electrification of rural Nepal still seems over ambitious for quite a long time. Thus Micro Hydropower Plants (MHP) can still be very effective for rural electrification. Decades of manufacturing of same type turbines have saturated the turbine manufacturing industries of Nepal, which demands for some new innovations and that could be the introduction of Francis turbine in Nepalese MHP. It’s undeniable that there are umpteen opportunities for the turbine manufacturers to manufacture and install the Francis turbines in Nepalese MHP. The feasibility studies performed by different institutions and the government policy strengthen the claim. In addition to that, data received from, NMHDA and a local turbine manufacturing industry suggest that there are abundant sites suitable for installation of Francis turbine. This paper illustrates the need of introducing the Francis turbine in Nepalese MHP and discusses about the opportunities available for the turbine manufacturers to enter into the market of Francis turbines for micro hydro and subsequently for larger hydropower projects in the near future. The challenges associated with the introduction of Francis turbine in MHP are highlighted.