Government targets 24,500 MW electricity generation within next decade under new energy strategy

Kathmandu, April 27: The government has unveiled the “Energy Consumption and Export Strategy, 2083”, aiming to generate a total of 24,500 megawatts of electricity by fiscal year 2092/93 through investment from the public, private, and government sectors.

The strategy includes hydropower and solar projects that are already proposed, under study, under construction, or ready for development. It also focuses on reservoir and semi-reservoir hydropower along with expansion of solar energy projects.

Key hydropower projects in the plan include the 1,200 MW Budhigandaki project, the 40 MW Raghuganga project, 140 MW Tanahu project, Upper Arun (161 MW), and Nalgad (417 MW). Other projects such as Upper Modi A (42 MW), Upper Modi (18.2 MW), and Upper Trishuli 3B (37 MW) are also included. Large projects like Arun IV (490 MW), Betan Karnali (439 MW), Chainpur Seti (210 MW), Tamakoshi V (99 MW), Naumure (281 MW), and Uttarganga (828 MW) are targeted for completion in phases up to 2092.

The strategy also prioritizes 1,000 MW of solar projects led by the Nepal Electricity Authority by 2085 and an additional 3,500 MW from government entities. Private sector and IPPAN-backed projects are expected to contribute around 14,000 MW.

The plan also includes expansion of transmission infrastructure, underground distribution systems, electric cooking, electric transport, irrigation electrification, and special tariffs for energy-intensive industries.