Begnas-Rupa Pumped-Storage Projectबेग्नास-रुपा पम्प भण्डारण आयोजना
A proposed ~150 MW pumped-storage scheme using the Begnas and Rupa lakes in Kaski, intended as Nepal's first pumped-storage project. NEA obtained a survey permit in 2017, but a JICA study found it costly and financially unviable, and NEA has largely backtracked, leaving the project effectively shelved / under review.
Installed capacity
150 MW
Pumped storage
River / basin
Begnas / Rupa lakes
Gandaki basin
Location
Kaski
Gandaki
Expected online
TBD
Proposed / under development
Milestones & projected timeline
Key dates so far, with planned milestones marked. Future dates are targets from the developer or government and frequently shift.
- 2017
NEA obtains survey permit; planned as first pumped-storage
- 2020s
JICA study finds it costly/unviable; NEA backtracks
Location
Approximate dam-area location on OpenStreetMap — precise to the district and river reach, not the exact structure.
Begnas-Rupa Pumped-Storage Project: key facts
Quick answers on capacity, river, developer, status and commissioning, drawn from the sourced data above.
What is the capacity of the Begnas-Rupa Pumped-Storage Project?+
The Begnas-Rupa Pumped-Storage Project has an installed capacity of 150 MW. It is a pumped storage hydropower scheme.
Which river is the Begnas-Rupa Pumped-Storage Project on?+
The project is on the Begnas / Rupa lakes River, part of Nepal's Gandaki basin, in Kaski district, Gandaki Province.
Who is developing the Begnas-Rupa Pumped-Storage Project?+
The Begnas-Rupa Pumped-Storage Project is developed by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) (government (nea)), with JICA (earlier study).
What is the status of the Begnas-Rupa Pumped-Storage Project?+
As of mid-2026 the project is proposed / under development. Proposed first pumped-storage in Nepal; JICA study found it costly/unviable; effectively shelved / under review
Sources & data note
Figures for Begnas-Rupa Pumped-Storage Project are compiled from the sources below and cross-checked where possible. Status and projected dates reflect research as of mid-2026 and may change as the project progresses. The map location is an approximate dam-area estimate. Commentary is Amarnepal's own.