In 2022, Nepal's electricity consumption was predominantly from low-carbon sources, totaling around 11 TWh, with hydropower accounting for almost all of it. Fossil energy sources contributed close to none of the country's electricity generation, highlighting Nepal's commitment to clean energy. The per capita electricity consumption amounted to 377 kWh, significantly lower than the global average of 3813 kWh/person. This substantial gap in electricity generation can restrict economic growth, limit electrification of industries, and affect the quality of life. The lack of sufficient electricity capacity might also hamper sustainable development efforts, making it essential for Nepal to increase its clean electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Nepal?
Observing the growth trajectory, Nepal's electricity consumption is seeing a positive trend. In 2022, the consumption per person increased by 14 kWh compared to the previous year. Not only has there been an upsurge in overall electricity consumption, but low-carbon electricity, primarily from hydropower, also grew by 33 kWh per person from the previous year. This consistent increase demonstrates Nepal’s ongoing efforts to expand access to electricity predominantly through clean energy sources, contributing favorably to global climate goals and environmental sustainability. However, continuous efforts and investment in infrastructure are vital to maintain and expedite this growth.
Suggestions
Nepal can learn from successful examples worldwide to bolster its low-carbon electricity generation. Countries like India, with its noteworthy solar output of 134 TWh, showcase the potential of tapping into abundant solar resources, which Nepal could emulate given its favorable geographical conditions. Also, Nepal could consider developing a sustainable strategy for nuclear energy, as demonstrated by countries like China and South Korea, which significantly leverage this clean energy source. By incorporating lessons from these nations, Nepal could diversify its energy mix beyond hydropower, building a robust, reliable low-carbon electricity infrastructure to support its future energy needs.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Nepal, particularly hydropower, illustrates a steady climb over the decades. Starting from the 1990s, there was consistent growth, with only a few minor setbacks, like the slight dip in 1997 and 2015. Since 2016, there has been a noticeable acceleration in hydropower capacity, with significant boosts in 2019 and 2021. These positive strides reflect ongoing investments and strategic planning in the hydropower sector, signaling a favorable trend towards increasing clean electricity generation. As Nepal continues building on this solid foundation, an integrated approach to include solar and nuclear energy could further enhance its low-carbon electricity capacity.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.