Banking News – Nepal’s Department of Electricity Development (DoED) issued survey licences to 99 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 3,211 MW during the fiscal year 2025/26 (FY 2082/83), reflecting continued momentum in the country’s renewable energy sector.

According to the Department, seven solar energy projects with a combined capacity of 311 MW also received survey licences during the fiscal year.

In the transmission sector, survey permits were granted for 179 circuit kilometres of 220 kV transmission lines, 270 circuit kilometres of 132 kV lines, and 132 circuit kilometres of 33 kV transmission lines.

The Department also issued generation licences to 29 hydropower projects with a combined installed capacity of 1,857 MW. In addition, three solar power projects, with a total capacity of 31 MW, received generation licences.

The DoED said it collects approximately Rs. 3.5 billion in royalties annually, with the revenue distributed among provincial and local governments. The Department noted that these royalty allocations have made a significant contribution to regional economic development and local infrastructure.

To date, the Department has granted generation licences to 264 hydropower projects, representing a combined installed capacity of 12,336 MW. In the solar energy sector, 10 projects with a total capacity of 74.6 MW have received generation licences.

Regarding transmission infrastructure, construction permits have been issued for 1,097 circuit kilometres of 400 kV transmission lines, 656 circuit kilometres of 220 kV lines, 1,608 circuit kilometres of 132 kV lines, and 337 circuit kilometres of 33 kV transmission lines.

Manadevi Shrestha, Director General of the Department of Electricity Development, said the continued issuance of licences demonstrates steady progress in expanding Nepal’s electricity generation and transmission infrastructure while supporting the country’s long-term energy development goals.