Nepal to Roll Out Green Energy Policy Framework, Eyes 500 MW Solar by 2035

The Government of Nepal is working on a comprehensive policy and legal framework aimed at significantly increasing the use of green energy across the country, Energy Minister Anil Kumar Sinha has said. The announcement was made during a national conference on green energy and the carbon economy held in Kathmandu on the occasion of International Clean Energy Day.

According to the minister, the proposed framework will focus on expanding the adoption of renewable energy technologies, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and supporting Nepal’s long-term climate commitments. The initiative aligns with the country’s constitutional provision guaranteeing citizens the right to a clean environment, as well as its obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals.

Nepal has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. However, officials acknowledge that nearly 60 percent of the nation’s current energy consumption is still met through imported fuels, underscoring the urgency of accelerating the transition to clean energy.

The upcoming policy framework is expected to promote renewable energy use across key sectors, including transport, industry, agriculture, and households. Planned measures include incentives for electric vehicles and appliances, expansion of EV charging infrastructure, and the deployment of solar-powered irrigation pumps. The government is also encouraging the conversion of traditional brick kilns to electric systems and the introduction of ethanol blending in fuels to curb emissions.

In addition, Nepal aims to scale up its solar capacity, with a target of installing around 500 MW by 2035, alongside continued development of hydropower and other renewable sources. The government is also seeking to attract private sector participation and mobilize green finance to support project implementation.

Officials emphasized that a stronger policy and regulatory environment will be critical to translating Nepal’s clean energy vision into tangible outcomes and ensuring sustainable, low-carbon economic growth.