Prosperity through Hydropower: Opportunities and Challenges

Date: June 29, 2025 (Asar 15, 2082)
Venue: ACEM, Kathmandu

Advanced College of Engineering and Management (ACEM) successfully hosted an insightful and thought-provoking session titled “Prosperity through Hydropower: Opportunities and Challenges,” focused on exploring Nepal’s vast hydropower potential, emerging opportunities, and the real-world challenges tied to energy development.

The session drew enthusiastic participation from Civil and Electrical Engineering students and faculty, fostering engaging discussions on sustainable energy and national development.Guest Speaker: Dr. Mukesh Raj Kafle

We were honored to have Dr. Mukesh Raj Kafle, a leading figure in Nepal’s energy and water sector, as the keynote speaker. With a rare blend of academic expertise and executive leadership experience, Dr. Kafle delivered a rich and deeply informative presentation on the future of hydropower in Nepal.

About Dr. Mukesh Raj Kafle
Dr. Kafle is one of Nepal’s most respected professionals in the field of water resources and energy engineering. His contributions span both academic and industrial domains, helping shape national energy strategies and hydropower education.

Highlights of his profile include:

• PhD in Water Resources Engineering (Tribhuvan University)

• Over 20 years of academic experience at IOE, Pulchowk Campus

• Program Coordinator of MSc in Hydropower Engineering, IOE

• 26+ national and international publications in hydropower, hydrology, and basin management

• Former Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), where he led major projects to expand Nepal’s power infrastructure

Dr. Kafle’s session provided attendees with valuable insights into how Nepal can unlock its hydropower potential responsibly while addressing key environmental, policy, and technical challenges.

Key Takeaways from the Session:

• Comprehensive overview of Nepal’s current and future hydropower potential

• Challenges in infrastructure, environmental impact, and resource management

• Importance of cross-disciplinary knowledge in sustainable hydropower development

• Real-world strategies from one of Nepal’s top energy leaders

This event reaffirmed ACEM’s commitment to academic excellence and real-world learning by connecting students and faculty with thought leaders shaping the future of engineering in Nepal.