As an alternative source of energy, solar power is gaining popularity across the global as well as in Nepal. Although the major investments for electricity production has flowed towards hydropower projects in Nepal, investors in solar projects have increased in recent years.
According to Department of Electricity Development, about 17 solar projects are currently being constructed in Nepal. NEA along with private sector investors are developing these projects. The department has already issued the license for the construction and the work of these projects is going on full swing.
With large scale dams popping up around the country, Nepal is undergoing a hydropower boom. As of August 2020, more than 200 hydropower projects (of more than 1 MW capacity) were under construction or had received license for construction in Nepal.
As it will be the largest hydropower project in South Asia, developing it will be costly, according to officials. With Nepal aiming to be a regional hub of hydropower generation, the country will seek to generate resources from the South Asian region. “It should be developed as a regional [South Asian] project,” said Ghising.
As of August 2020, more than 200 hydropower projects (of more than 1 MW capacity) were under construction or had received license for construction in Nepal. Upon completion, these projects will add a total of 7948.8 MW in hydroelectric capacity, almost 7 times more than the 1130 MW hydroelectric capacity at present.
The government of Nepal has set the target of producing 15,000 MW of electricity in the next ten years. Understanding the concept of ‘energy mix’, the government has emphasized that the contribution of solar or renewable energy should be around 10-15 percent. Previously, the solar power was used only for the household purposes.