Nepal Electricity Authority plans to increase solar power generation during the dry season

On August 31st, Nepal's Republican newspaper reported that in April of this year, the Nepal Electricity Authority issued a tender announcement for the purchase of 800 megawatts of solar power over the next two years. As of recently, a total of 134 companies have applied to generate 3600 megawatts of electricity through more than 300 projects, which is more than four times the target amount. The 175 MW power purchase agreement has been signed, and the 107 MW project has been put into operation.

At present, the installed capacity in Nepal is about 3200 megawatts, with 95% of it being hydroelectric power. The government is considering optimizing the energy structure to ensure sustainable energy supply when hydropower production decreases after the rainy season, while also meeting the increasing demand for electricity in the Terai plain region. According to the public bidding documents of the Nepal Investment Committee, Nepal has an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, and receiving solar radiation can generate 3.6 to 6.2 units of electricity per square meter.

The above-mentioned solar energy project is planned to be constructed near the substation under the power bureau, with specifications of 200KV, 132KV, and 33KV respectively. The benchmark rate of the power purchase agreement is set at 5.94 rupees per unit. After being integrated into the national power grid, the solar power is intended to reach 10% of the total installed capacity in China.