Energy sector emerges as key priority in major parties’ manifestos ahead of HoR elections

Kathmandu: Major political parties have given high priority to the energy sector in their election manifestos, identifying it as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and national prosperity.

The parties have pledged to simplify policies, improve implementation, attract private and foreign investment, and promote domestic energy consumption alongside electricity exports through energy diplomacy.

Most have set medium- and long-term targets aligned with the government’s goal of generating 28 thousand megawatts by 2035, with added focus on alternative and renewable energy.

The Nepali Congress has set a five-year target of raising installed capacity to 14 thousand megawatts and increasing per capita electricity consumption to 750 units.

It has emphasized large reservoir projects, energy security, gradual replacement of fossil fuels, and expansion of electricity trade with neighboring countries.

The CPN-UML has highlighted clean energy, domestic consumption, and exports, with plans to double electricity production and consumption. It prioritizes major hydropower and river diversion projects, community electrification, and reliable year-round energy supply.

The Nepali Communist Party has proposed increasing per capita consumption to 750 units within five years and a long-term goal of generating 40 thousand megawatts of electricity. It has linked energy expansion to employment and systematic electricity exports.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party has set a target of producing 30 thousand megawatts in the next decade, with reforms to land, forest, and environmental laws, single-window services, and expanded energy trade with India and Bangladesh.

Overall, energy has emerged as a common priority across party manifestos, with experts noting its potential to reduce unemployment and accelerate economic development, while stressing the importance of effective implementation.