In 2022, electricity consumption in Nepal reached more than 11 TWh, with over 95% of this coming from low-carbon sources, particularly hydropower. Fossil energy use, therefore, is almost negligible, contributing to Nepal's impressive reliance on clean electricity. However, at just 377 kWh per person annually, Nepal's per capita electricity consumption remains significantly below the global average of 3649 kWh per person. Low levels of electricity generation can hamper socio-economic development, limit access to technology, and constrain efforts toward industrialization. This can also affect quality of life, as limited electricity translates to restricted access to lighting, heating, and digital connectivity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Nepal?
Electricity use in Nepal is on an upward trajectory, demonstrating a continued growth trend. The most recent figures show an increase to 377 kWh per person from the previous record of 362 kWh per person in 2021, marking an upward change of 14 kWh. This growth is largely attributed to low-carbon electricity, particularly hydropower, with its latest numbers showing a significant rise to 360 kWh per person, up from 327 kWh per person the previous year. This 33 kWh increase highlights Nepal’s commitment to expanding its reliance on clean energy sources, ensuring sustainable energy security for its population.
Suggestions
To further boost low-carbon electricity generation, Nepal could look to regions with successful solar and nuclear projects. For instance, China has made substantial advancements in solar and wind electricity, generating over 1100 TWh in solar energy alone. While Nepal has abundant hydropower resources, integrating solar energy could significantly enhance its electricity supply, especially in areas not served by topography-suited hydropower projects. Additionally, successful nuclear programs in the United States and France indicate the remarkable potential of nuclear energy to complement and enhance overall clean energy capacity. Embracing these strategies could enable Nepal to meet its future energy demands effectively and sustainably, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Nepal's journey into low-carbon electricity has been marked by steady growth, primarily driven by hydropower. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the country experienced modest but consistent increases annually, with occasional downticks like the minor decrease in 1997 and 2015. From 2016 onwards, there was a noticeable surge, particularly notable in 2021, with a substantial leap of 3.4 TWh of new hydropower capacity. This trend underscores Nepal’s commitment and potential to expand its clean energy portfolio, moving steadily towards energy independence and sustainability. By capitalizing on its rich hydropower resources and embracing new low-carbon technologies, Nepal is well-positioned to secure a greener energy future.
