Kathmandu — The government has accelerated its efforts in solar energy projects. According to the Department of Electricity Development, 97 projects have so far obtained survey permits and are in the preparation phase for construction. The total capacity of these projects has reached 2,119.99 megawatts.
This year alone, after mid March / April, 12 projects have obtained survey permits, with a combined capacity of 538.5 megawatts. Among the largest projects are the 100-megawatt Rolpa Solar Power Project and the 150-megawatt Arghakhanchi Solar Power Project, both being promoted by NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited.
Similarly, GT Energy Pvt. Ltd. has also obtained survey permits for two projects with a capacity of 100 megawatts each. These projects are the Jhapa Solar Power Project and the Nepalgunj–2 Solar Power Project.
The government has made a policy decision to ensure a fair price for electricity generated from solar energy. The government aims to meet at least 10–15 percent of the total electricity production through solar energy.
Since May/June of last year, six projects have also received generation permits. The projects that obtained generation permits include the 8-megawatt Duhabi Solar Farm promoted by Global Energy and Construction Pvt. Ltd.; the Nepal Electricity Authority’s 1.6-megawatt Middle Marsyangdi Solar Project; the 2-megawatt Jhurpa Solar Project; the 5.8-megawatt Gandak Solar Pvt. Ltd.; the 10-megawatt grid-connected solar electricity project promoted by Positive Energy Pvt. Ltd.; and the 10-megawatt Argha Solar Power Project of Argha Bhagawati Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
Six projects have also received production permits since last May/June. The projects that have received production permits include the 8-megawatt Duhabi Solar Farm promoted by Global Energy and Construction Pvt. Ltd., the 1.6-megawatt Madhyamarysyangdi Solar of the Nepal Electricity Authority, the 2-megawat, the 5.8-megawatt Gandak Solar Pvt. Ltd., the 10-megawatt Grid Connected Solar Electricity Project promoted by Positive Energy Pvt. Ltd., and the 10-megawatt Argha Solar Electricity Project of Argha Bhagwati Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
Although Nepal has been prioritizing hydropower, the government has shifted its focus toward alternative energy sources to ensure reliable electricity production amid climate change, seasonal fluctuations, and varying demand. In this context, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising has initiated the process of removing the minimum 10 percent cap set for solar energy under the energy-mix policy.
Major solar projects with survey permits:
Amargadhi Solar Power Project – 10MW
Jhapa Solar Power Project – 100MW
Nepalgunj–2 Solar Power Project – 100MW
Sainik Kalyankari Sainamaina Solar Power Project – 5MW
Sainik Kalyankari Sainamaina Solar Power Project -10MW
Sainik Kalyankari Sainamaina Solar Power Project -8.5MW
Rolpa Solar Power Project – 100MW
Arghakhanchi Solar Power Project – 150MW
Palpa Damak Solar Power Project – 25MW
Birat Braju Solar Power Project -10MW
Dangihat Battery-Integrated Solar Power Project – 10MW
Banganga–2 Solar Power Project – 10MW
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