April 21: Nepal has as many as 77 solar energy projects with a total capacity of 1443 megawatts in pipeline. These projects include those that have applied for survey licenses, received survey licenses, applied for construction licenses, and those that have already entered the construction phase.

According to the Electricity Development Department, six projects have applied for survey licenses to generate 46 megawatts of solar energy, while 47 projects have already received survey licenses for the survey of 1249 megawatts of solar energy. 

In addition, three projects have applied for construction licenses to produce 15 megawatts of solar energy, and 21 projects are currently in the construction phase and expected to produce 133 megawatts of solar energy.

The department also states that five projects are already generating solar energy, with a total capacity of 24 megawatts. Among these are the Saurya Urja Project generating 680 kilowatts, Bishnupriya Solar Farm generating 1 megawatt, Grid Connected Solar Power project producing 8.5 megawatts, Mithila Solar PV Power generating 10 megawatts, and the Chandranigahapur Solar Project producing 4 megawatts.

Energy experts believe that Nepal has tremendous potential for solar energy, and the rapid advancements in solar technology make the development of large-scale solar projects easier than ever before. However, they caution that the construction of these projects may require deforestation and the use of arable land.

“Nepal has a great potential for the development of solar energy, but this will cause deforestation and arable land will be used,” said energy expert Prabin Aryal. 

Despite this, experts believe that the development of solar energy is highly positive for Nepal, as it offers virtually limitless possibilities with low risk.

Moreover, solar energy projects are known for their short construction time and can begin generating power as soon as construction is completed according to another energy expert KP Dulal.