The government has launched the 'Energy Consumption and Export Strategy, 2083', with the objective of generating a total of 24,500 megawatts of electricity by the fiscal year 2092/93 BS through investments from government, public, and private sectors.
This strategy includes projects that have been proposed, studied, are currently under construction, or are ready to begin construction.
In addition to planning for reservoir and semi-aquatic projects, solar energy initiatives have also been integrated into the strategy.
Significantly, the highly anticipated Budhigandaki Project is expected to be completed by 2081, with a planned total capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
While the investment framework has been established, the government has prioritized the implementation of this program.
The action plan detailed in the strategy indicates that the Raghuganga Hydropower Project will be finalized in the near future, with a total capacity of 40 MW currently in the final stages of construction.
Moreover, the 140-megawatt Tahe hydroelectric project is anticipated to be completed by 2085/86.
According to the strategy, the completion targets include Upper Modi A with a capacity of 42 MW, Upper Modi with 18.2 MW, and Upper Trishuli 3B with 37 MW. The dam's construction is scheduled for completion by 2019, with the plant's capacity set at 670 MW. Upper Arun, with a capacity of 161 MW, and Nalgad, with 417 MW, are also part of the action plan to be finalized this year.
Additionally, the 490 MW Arun IV and the 439 MW Betan Karnali Hydropower Project are expected to be completed by September 2090. The government also aims to complete the 210 MW Chainpur Seti by 2087. Special emphasis has been placed on Tamakoshi V, with a total capacity of 99 MW, Naumure with 281 MW, and the Uttarganga Hydropower Project, which has a capacity of 828 MW, with the latter scheduled for completion.
The 1000 MW solar initiative, which is to be advanced by the Nepal Electricity Authority, is scheduled for completion by the year 2085. Solar projects that are to be funded and developed by private sector investors have been chosen and endorsed based on a competitive selection process. A solar planning framework has been proposed to facilitate the implementation of an energy mix concept.
In a similar vein, projects with a capacity of 3,500 MW, to be promoted by government entities and their subsidiaries, are also expected to be finalized by 2092.
Additionally, solar and export-oriented projects backed by the Independent Power Producers' Organization Nepal (IPPAN) are projected to reach completion in the same timeframe.
The total capacity of these projects is anticipated to be 14,000 megawatts. The government has introduced a comprehensive strategy aimed at delivering high-quality electricity to consumers, enhancing trade, and fostering exports. This strategy includes the construction of 14 domestic transmission lines and 10 international transmission lines.
Furthermore, the underground distribution system is set to be completed by 2085. The objective is to provide subsidies through the domestic expansion of electric stoves, to electrify the transportation sector by increasing the number of charging stations nationwide, and to convert coal-fired boilers into electric ones.
In line with the aim of modernizing the agricultural sector, electricity revenues will be subsidized, and a complete transition to electric irrigation pumps is planned. A special electricity tariff will be established for energy-intensive industries, including those involved in chemical fertilizers and data centers.
