Energy export strategy: 15,000MW within ten years

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, April 23: The study panel on strategy for increasing energy consumption and export today submitted its report recommending for the strategy to increase export of hydropower to 15,000MW within a decade and increase per capita energy consumption to 1,500 kw per hour from existing 150kw per hour.

The study committee formed under the coordination of joint secretary Sandip Kumar Dev submitted the report- Strategy to increase energy consumption and export, 2083- to Minister for Energy, Water Resource and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. The report aims to make energy sector.

The minister had formed a high-level study committee to address energy consumption and export strategies under point 74 (a) and (c) of the 100-point governance reform action plan approved by the Cabinet on April 27, 2026, according to the secretariat of the Energy Minister.

The strategy emphasises significantly increasing domestic electricity consumption while also promoting the export of surplus electricity as part of a long-term roadmap. It also stresses achieving 100 per cent household electrification and carrying out extensive improvements in transmission and distribution systems.

It further highlights encouraging the use of electric household appliances, upgrading the capacity of meters and transformers, and gradually reducing the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

A major target outlined in the strategy is increasing per capita electricity consumption from the current level of about 450 kWh to 1,500 kWh within next 10 years.

The key recommendations include promoting electric public transport, expanding charging station networks, and replacing coal and petroleum-based industrial boilers with electric systems.

For increasing energy consumption, the strategy proposes implementing consumer-friendly “seasonal” electricity tariff rates. This is expected to improve energy efficiency, reduce trade deficit, and strengthen foreign currency reserves.

On the generation side, the strategy aims to increase the share of reservoir-based and semi-reservoir hydropower projects to address seasonal imbalances between dry and wet seasons.

It also proposes expanding the national transmission system and increasing electricity exports to regional markets through cross-border transmission lines.

Exports are planned to be focused especially during high-demand evening hours to maximize economic benefits. The strategy sets a target of exporting 15,000 megawatts of electricity within next 10 years.

The strategy also identifies potential risks and proposes clear measures for their management. In addition, it prioritizes expanding private sector participation in electricity trade and improving the efficiency of the Nepal Electricity Authority through structural reforms.

For effective implementation, a strict monitoring system will be adopted and accountability will be ensured based on performance.