97 Solar Projects Granted Survey Licences, Nearly 2,200 MW in Pipeline

The government’s energy-mix policy has drawn increasing investor interest in solar power development in recent months.

According to the Department of Electricity Development (DoED), 97 projects with a combined installed capacity of 2,119.99 MW have so far received survey licences. Since mid-May alone, the department has issued survey permits for 12 projects totalling 538.5 MW.

Among the recent approvals are two large-capacity projects promoted by NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited — the 100 MW Rolpa Solar Project and the 150 MW Arghakhanchi Solar Project.

Similarly, this year JTEE Energy Pvt Ltd obtained survey licences for two 100 MW projects: the Jhapa Solar Project and the Nepalgunj-2 Solar Project.

DoED Director General Mandevi Shrestha said investments in solar energy have gained momentum as the government has prioritised the concept of energy diversification. She added that the government has also taken a policy decision to offer a fair tariff for electricity generated from solar projects. The government aims to meet at least 10–15 percent of national electricity demand through solar power, she said.

Six Projects Issued Generation Licences

Since mid-June, six projects have received generation licences from the DoED. These include the 8 MW Duhabi Solar Farm promoted by Global Energy and Construction Pvt Ltd; the Nepal Electricity Authority’s 1.6 MW Middle Marsyangdi Solar Plant; the 2 MW Jhurpa Solar Project; and the 5.8 MW Gandak Solar Pvt Ltd project.

Also on the list are the 10 MW grid-connected Solar Electricity Project promoted by Positive Energy Pvt Ltd and the 10 MW Argha Solar Project promoted by Argha Bhagawati Ventures Pvt Ltd.

The department said five additional projects have applied for survey licences and are under review.

Although Nepal continues to prioritise hydropower, the government has increasingly focused on alternative energy sources to ensure reliable supply amid climate change impacts, seasonal fluctuations and growing demand. In line with this, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising has moved forward the process to remove the 10 percent cap previously set for solar power within the energy-mix policy.