Parties propose ambitious power development plans in manifestoes

Kathmandu, Feb. 29: Targeting the upcoming House of Representatives election to be held on March 5, Nepal’s major political parties have placed energy development at the centre of their election manifestos, unveiling ambitious plans to expand electricity generation, increase domestic consumption, and position Nepal as a regional clean energy exporter.

Political parties --- Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), Rastriya Swatantra Party, Nepali Communist Party and Ujyalo Nepal Party --- have presented the energy sector as the foundation of the nation’s economic development.

Nepali Congress targets 14,000 MW in five years

The Nepali Congress has pledged to increase the country’s total installed electricity capacity to at least 14,000 megawatts within next five years and raise per capita electricity consumption to 750 units.

Currently, the installed hydropower capacity has reached around 4,000 MW.

The party has proposed a “higher consumption, lower tariff” model to encourage electricity consumption in the country.

The party plans to introduce a National Energy Security Policy aimed at strengthening energy infrastructure and gradually replacing fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel with clean sources like hydropower and solar energy.

It also promises to replace the existing Electricity Act, 2049 with new legislation encouraging private sector participation in production, transmission, distribution, and trade.

The Nepali Congress has said that it will make policy arrangements for concessional loans to be paid gradually from dividends for the poor families concerned to purchase 10 per cent preferential shares of hydropower companies allocated for project-affected local residents.

Until other options for purchasing and selling electricity emerge, we will continue purchasing electricity based on the take and pay principle, setting a framework for minimal financial risk management, taking into account domestic demand and the demand of the domestic electricity market.

The party has prioritised major reservoir and semi-reservoir projects, including Budhigandaki (1,200 MW), Dudhkoshi (670 MW), Betan–Karnali (439 MW), and Chainpur Seti (210 MW).

It also commits to advancing the long-delayed Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (5,040 MW) through political and technical consensus.

"We emphasise political and diplomatic initiatives with neighbouring countries to resolve the complexities in trade for electricity exports to be surplus after domestic consumption," said the Nepali Congress.

Additionally, the Nepali Congress has pledged to complete key cross-border transmission lines with India and China and promote electricity exports through active economic diplomacy.

"We will bring clear policies for tax concessions, reliable energy and internet infrastructure to establish safe and reliable commercial green data centres in Nepal," it said.

CPN-UML pledges to make Nepal South Asia’s clean energy hub

The Nepal Communist Party (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (CPN-UML) has unveiled an ambitious energy agenda in its election manifesto, committing to transform Nepal into a leading clean energy exporter in South Asia while ensuring long-term domestic energy security.

The party plans to increase state investment in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, while encouraging private sector participation in building transmission lines and exporting electricity.

The party has pledged to complete major hydropower, solar, and green hydrogen projects to guarantee reliable electricity supply year-round, including during the winter months when shortages have historically occurred.

It has set a target to double both national electricity production and per capita electricity consumption

In addition, the manifesto highlights the completion of major river diversion multipurpose projects, including the Sunkoshi–Marin and Bheri–Babai schemes, aimed at boosting both irrigation and electricity generation.

The UML has stated that priority electricity supply will be ensured for agriculture, industry, transport, tourism, education, health, trade, business, and the financial sector.

RSP sets 30,000 MW target, sweeping energy sector reform

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has set a long-term target of achieving 30,000 MW of installed capacity within next decade and raising annual per capita consumption to 1,500 kilowatt-hours by 2035.

The party proposes legal reforms to streamline energy project approvals through a “one-door policy,” reducing bureaucratic hurdles currently involving multiple ministries and departments.

It also plans to extend hydropower generation licenses from 35 to 50 years.

"We will prepare a new energy and water resources policy to achieve the goals of the Energy Development Decade and we will make legal arrangements to open up private sector involvement in the energy trade as well," it said

RSP aims to promote battery storage, pumped storage, rooftop solar systems, wind energy, and large-scale solar farms.

It has also pledged to encourage energy-intensive industries such as steel, cement, fertiliser, data server stations, and herbal processing industries.

For exports, the party proposes strengthening energy diplomacy with India and Bangladesh through bilateral and regional power trade agreements, positioning Nepal as a reliable energy supplier.

Ujyalo Nepal Party unveils people-centric hydropower plan

The Ujyalo Nepal Party has announced an ambitious, people-focused hydropower agenda, pledging widespread public ownership of energy projects and long-term national prosperity through electricity exports.

Under its “1,000 Shares Campaign,” the party promises to provide every household with at least 1,000 units of hydropower shares at primary issue prices.

Poor families would receive concessional loans to purchase shares, and labourers involved in project construction would have the option to convert their wages into equity stakes.

The party also proposes establishing a “People’s Hydropower Fund,” allocating 20 per cent of revenue from hydropower projects transferred to the government after 30 years. In addition, the amount deposited in the fund will be spent on education, health, and job creation.

It aims to produce 12,000 MW by 2030 and increase per capita consumption to 800 kWh. Additionally, 15 per cent of earnings from electricity exports would be deposited into a proposed “National Prosperity Fund” to finance rural infrastructure and poverty alleviation initiatives.

Looking further ahead, the party aims to advance community-based hydropower projects to reach 25,000 megawatts by 2035 and 40,000 megawatts by 2045.

It said these initiatives will help position Nepal as a carbon-neutral nation while ensuring that citizens directly benefit from the country’s hydropower potential.

Nepali Communist Party sets 40,000 MW long-term goal

The Nepali Communist Party has outlined an ambitious energy expansion plan in its manifesto, pledging to significantly increase electricity production, consumption, and renewable energy adoption in the coming years.

The party has committed to raising per capita electricity consumption to 750 kilowatt-hours within next five years. Over the same period, it aims to add 10,000 megawatts to the national grid, increasing total system capacity to 15,000 megawatts.

The party has outlined a long-term goal of generating 40,000 MW by 2100 BS. It promises to open power purchase agreements (PPAs) for new projects and facilitate both domestic and foreign investment in hydropower.

To secure electricity exports, the party said that it will strengthen and effectively implement power trade agreements with India and Bangladesh.

It also commits to expanding renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and micro-hydro projects, while ensuring environmental and social safeguards in hydropower development.