Avoiding Nepal's energy crisis

Nepal's energy crisis shows up as dependence on imported petroleum, LPG and coal, heavy use of firewood, and (in the past) long load-shedding. The following steps can avoid it.

Potential solutions

1. Develop hydropower: build storage projects (for example Tanahu, 140 MW, and Budhigandaki) and peaking run-of-river (PROR) projects, building on completed plants such as Upper Tamakoshi (456 MW, 2021), with NEA and private investment, to remove the dry-season gap.
2. Reduce losses: NEA system losses have been about 15% or less in recent years; lower them further with grid upgrades.
3. Strengthen grid and trade: build cross-border transmission lines (Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur and others) to export surplus in the wet season and import when needed.
4. Promote alternative energy (AEPC): solar PV, wind, micro-hydro, biogas, improved cookstoves and solar water pumping.
5. Energy efficiency and conservation: LED lighting, efficient motors, building codes, demand-side management.
6. Electrify cooking and transport: induction stoves and electric vehicles to replace LPG and petrol.
7. Diversify and store energy: pumped storage, batteries and biofuels.
8. Good policy: clear power purchase agreements, transparent regulation and investment security.

Better option for Nepal

Hydropower (with solar as a complement) is the best option. Nepal has about 83,000 MW of theoretical potential (about 42,000 MW feasible); it is clean and renewable, has low operating cost, and is already proven in the country. Run-of-river plants should be supported by reservoir or pumped-storage plants and solar to cover dry-season shortages. Solar and biogas are best for remote areas that the grid cannot easily reach.