Hydropower is an abundant source of renewable energy, but projects often face complex environmental and social (E&S) challenges that can be tricky to navigate. The Mai Beni Hydropower Project in Nepal – a 9.5 MW run-of-river facility – is demonstrating how small projects can take big steps to manage E&S effectively.
What sets this project apart from most other small projects is the commitment on the part of its owner to a proactive risk management approach through a dedicated on-site team of experts. This localised approach ensures that potential issues are spotted and addressed early, leading to a more sustainable and community-focused operation.
The well-managed E&S practices at Mai Beni were a contributing factor in the project being certified Gold under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS). Its expert-led approach serves as a strong example for other projects, demonstrating how sustainability and proactive risk management can go hand in hand, writes Amina Kadyrzhanova.
A team on the ground, every day
Many small hydropower projects rely on occasional visits from off-site environmental and social consultants or remote teams. Mai Beni takes a different approach.
The project’s owners, Urja Developers and Samling Power Company, have employed a permanent socio-environmental team on location at the site, including environmental health and safety (EHSO) officers and community liaison officers (CLOs).
These experts work alongside the broader Urja Developers E&S team based at company headquarters, which includes specialists with advanced degrees in environmental and social sciences.
Having an expert team on-site enables real-time monitoring, quicker responses to emerging issues, and a stronger connection with local communities.
In addition to the dedicated E&S team, all project staff have received training on the implementation of the HSS to ensure that operations are fully aligned with global best practices.
Spotting issues early, building trust locally
One of the biggest advantages of having a dedicated team on the ground is the ability to catch issues before they escalate. The project CLOs maintain close ties with local communities, engaging with small groups regularly to understand their needs and concerns.
This proactive approach ensures that problems – whether related to infrastructure, livelihoods, or environmental impacts – are identified early and addressed effectively.
Mai Beni’s commitment to the community is evident in the proactive steps the developers have taken. The project has supported local development initiatives, helped to repair damaged infrastructure and farmland, and made sure that directly affected families have access to employment opportunities – either directly on the hydropower project, or in other capacities within Urja Developers.
By responding to community concerns in real time, the project has been successful in fostering trust and collaboration, creating an environment where challenges can be openly discussed and resolved.
Assessors interviewing the community liaison officer and environmental and social health and safety officer at the Mai Beni Hydropower Project site
Strong monitoring and an effective grievance system
To stay on top of the environmental and social responsibilities at Mai Beni, Urja Developers run a rigorous monitoring system. E&S performance is assessed every two months on-site, with reports sent to headquarters and then reported to the Department of Environment (of the Ministry of Forests and Environment) every six months.
The project has also put in place a well-functioning grievance redress mechanism, ensuring that local communities have a direct way to voice concerns. Whether it’s an environmental issue, an infrastructure concern, or a broader community need, this embedded process ensures the project team can listen and respond in a timely manner.
As part of its wider commitment to social responsibility, Urja Developers is also a participant in IFC’s Power by Women programme and has implemented a comprehensive gender-based violence and harassment policy and protocol. This proactive approach strengthens workplace protections and reinforces the company’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and safe environment.
Real-world impact: tackling key risks
The hands-on approach at Mai Beni has led to effective risk management in several key areas. Water quality is a prime example. The project closely monitors water qualities at upstream dewatered sections and downstream of the tailrace, ensuring they do not deteriorate, and has also contributed to better drinking water and sanitation at local cremation sites.
“This proactive, locally embedded approach highlights how small-scale hydropower projects can not only manage risks effectively, but also become valued contributors to the communities they operate in.”
Erosion and sedimentation, common concerns in hydropower projects, have been addressed through bio-engineering solutions and strengthened riverbanks, protecting the project infrastructure, surrounding land and local communities. To enhance infrastructure safety, the project has worked with the USAID-funded Tayar program, installing rainfall and river-discharge gauges at various locations to support an early-warning system for flooding.
Beyond the project site, Mai Beni has made significant contributions to Ilam district’s emergency response system, providing essential equipment and improving the region’s ability to respond to disasters. Urja Developers also delivers community training sessions to raise awareness of emergency response measures for floods and landslides.
The company has also shown a strong commitment to social responsibility at Mai Beni. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the project stepped in to provide medical supplies to local communities. Recognising the cultural significance of the river, the developers have also adapted operations to release more water for cremations and festivals, and have built a shelter with simple facilities at the cremation site.
This proactive, locally embedded approach highlights how small-scale hydropower projects can not only manage risks effectively, but also become valued contributors to the communities they operate in.
The assessment team with project staff in front of the Mai Beni powerhouse
Looking ahead: striving for continuous improvement
Looking ahead, while the Mai Beni project sets a high bar for risk management – demonstrated by its Gold certification under the HSS – there is always room for improvement. Areas such as aquatic ecology monitoring, long-term water availability planning, and deeper climate resilience analysis could further strengthen its approach, as highlighted in the project assessment report.
These are challenges faced by many hydropower projects, and Urja Developers’ proactive approach in implementing sustainability assessments at Mai Beni puts the company in a strong position to continue refining its practices.
A model for effective E&S management in hydropower
The Mai Beni Hydropower Project demonstrates that even small-scale hydropower can lead the way in responsible development. By investing in local expertise, staying engaged with communities, and responding quickly to emerging risks, the project sets a strong example of how hydropower can balance energy production with environmental and social well-being.
This case study highlights the power of having the right people in the right place – on-site, every day, combined with experienced experts at HQ – combining to make real-time decisions that benefit both the project and the community. As the industry looks for ways to enhance sustainability, the case of the Mai Beni project offers valuable lessons in what works, and why it matters.
Looking for ways to improve E&S management at your own projects? Our online course in E&S management in hydropower provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of the E&S impacts of hydropower. With the flexibility to learn at your own pace, you will gain practical insights into screening and scoping projects effectively, mitigating potential risks, and ensuring compliance with international best practices under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
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