In 2022, Nepal generated more than 10 TWh of electricity, all of which came from low-carbon sources, primarily hydropower. This impressive feat highlights the country's dedication to green energy, as fossil energy did not contribute significantly to electricity generation. Despite these admirable strides in clean energy, Nepal's electricity consumption per person was just 377 kWh, which is almost a tenth of the global average of 3781 kWh per person. The stark difference in electricity consumption could have numerous implications for Nepal, from limiting economic growth opportunities to impacting the quality of life and access to modern amenities.
Is Electricity Growing in Nepal?
In recent years, Nepal has shown positive movement towards increasing its electricity consumption. Between 2021 and 2022, consumption per person rose by 14 kWh, reaching 377 kWh per person. This upward trend is reflected in low-carbon electricity generation as well; per person, low-carbon generation increased by 33 kWh during this period, jumping from 327 kWh in 2021 to 360 kWh in 2022. Such growth indicates a promising shift toward enhanced energy infrastructure and usage, although the figures are still far from the global average. Expanding such initiatives could significantly bolster the country's electricity landscape.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation further, Nepal can glean successes from other countries. For example, India has made commendable strides in solar energy, generating 154 TWh, and could serve as a valuable model for expanding solar infrastructure. Similarly, regions like Illinois in the United States have demonstrated the viability and success of nuclear energy, generating 99 TWh via nuclear power. Implementing a diversified energy mix by adopting both solar and nuclear energy will enable Nepal to meet growing electricity demands sustainably, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and minimize environmental impact.
History
Nepal's journey towards growing its low-carbon electricity generation mainly through hydropower has been evolving since the 1990s. The early 1990s witnessed modest growth, with energy output increasing by 0.4 TWh in 1990. The following decade saw gradual advancements with incremental increases. A significant leap occurred between 2016 and 2019, particularly in 2021, when hydropower generation surged by 3.4 TWh. By 2022, the country achieved another substantial increase, adding 1.1 TWh to its hydropower output, showcasing a persistent commitment to nurturing and expanding sustainable electricity generation. This progress marks a pivotal step in fortifying Nepal's low-carbon presence and inspiring further growth.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.