Electricity in Nepal in 2022

In 2022, Nepal's electricity consumption predominantly came from low-carbon sources. The country generated almost 10 TWh from hydropower and imported an additional 1.25 TWh, making the vast majority of its electricity low-carbon. The total electricity generation per person in Nepal, however, is quite low compared to the global average of 432 watts per person. This low level of electricity generation can hinder economic development, result in energy scarcity, and limit access to modern amenities, affecting the quality of life for many Nepalese citizens.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Nepal can look to the strategies employed by other countries. For instance, India has successfully integrated both wind and solar power, generating 82 TWh and 113 TWh respectively. Given India's geographical and climatic similarities with Nepal, these methods could be particularly effective. Moreover, countries like the United Kingdom and Brazil have leveraged wind energy, producing 82 TWh and 96 TWh, demonstrating that wind energy can be a viable complement to hydropower. Learning from these examples, Nepal can diversify its clean energy portfolio by investing in wind and solar energy alongside hydropower to increase its overall electricity generation.

History

Historically, low-carbon electricity in Nepal has mainly come from hydropower. In the 1990s and 2000s, the country saw gradual increases in hydropower generation with occasional small declines. The pace picked up notably in the mid-2010s, especially in 2016 and 2019, where hydropower increased by 0.7 TWh and 1.3 TWh respectively. The biggest leap occurred in 2021 with a significant rise of 3.4 TWh. This consistent growth reflects Nepal's strong commitment to clean energy, primarily from hydropower, though continued expansion into other low-carbon sources like wind and solar could further bolster the country's energy infrastructure and sustainability.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources