Kathmandu — The Government of Nepal has unveiled the “Energy Consumption Growth and Export Strategy, 2083,” with a target to generate a total of 24,500 megawatts of electricity by the fiscal year 2092/93 through investments from the government, public, and private sectors.
The strategy incorporates projects that have already been proposed, studied, are under construction, or are ready for implementation. In addition to reservoir and semi-reservoir hydropower projects, solar energy initiatives have also been included.
The widely discussed Budhigandaki Reservoir Project, with a capacity of 1,200 MW, is targeted for completion by 2081 BS. Although the investment framework has been determined, the project has yet to move into the implementation phase. The government has prioritized this project.
According to the action plan included in the strategy, the 40 MW Raghuganga Hydropower Project is expected to be completed in the near future, as it is in the final stage of construction. Similarly, the 140 MW Tanahun Hydropower Project is scheduled for completion by FY 2085/86.
Other projects targeted for completion include the 42 MW Upper Modi A, 18.2 MW Upper Modi, and 37 MW Upper Trishuli 3B. The 670 MW Dudh Koshi Reservoir Project, currently in the preparation phase, is expected to be completed by 2091 BS.
The plan also includes the completion of the 1,061 MW Upper Arun and 417 MW Nalgad projects by the same year. Likewise, the 490 MW Arun IV and 439 MW Betan Karnali Hydropower Projects are expected to be completed by 2090 BS.
The government aims to complete the 210 MW Chainpur Seti project by 2087 BS. Additionally, projects such as the 99 MW Tamakoshi V, 281 MW Naumure, and 828 MW Uttarganga Hydropower Project have been given special priority, with Uttarganga targeted for completion by 2092 BS.
The Nepal Electricity Authority plans to complete a 1,000 MW solar project by 2085 BS. Solar projects led by the private sector will be selected through competitive processes. These initiatives are intended to support the implementation of an energy mix strategy.
Furthermore, projects with a total capacity of 3,500 MW, promoted by government companies, the Authority, and its subsidiaries, are also scheduled for completion by 2092 BS. Solar and export-oriented projects promoted by the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN), with a combined capacity of 14,000 MW, are likewise expected to be completed within the same timeframe.
The government has introduced this strategy with the objectives of providing quality electricity to consumers, expanding energy trade, and promoting exports. The strategy includes plans to construct 14 domestic transmission lines and 10 cross-border transmission lines. Underground distribution systems are expected to be completed by 2085 BS.
The government also plans to promote the use of electric stoves in households through subsidies, expand charging stations nationwide to support electric transportation, and convert coal boilers into electric boilers. To modernize agriculture, concessional electricity tariffs will be provided, and irrigation systems will be fully electrified. Special electricity tariffs are also planned for energy-intensive industries such as chemical fertilizer production and data centers.
— RSS
