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As the upcoming elections approach, major political parties have placed the energy sector as a shared priority. Concluding that energy is the foundation of economic prosperity, job creation, and industrial development, the parties have centered their agendas on increasing production, expanding domestic consumption, and exporting to regional markets.

For a long time, the energy sector has been unable to progress at the expected pace due to policy complexities, multi-institutional approval processes, and lack of infrastructure. In this context, parties have announced plans to end the situation where developers must seek approvals from eight ministries and 23 departments, implement a one-door system, create a private-sector-friendly environment, and strengthen energy diplomacy.

Ujyalo Nepal Party

Established with the goal of promoting prosperity through the development and expansion of electricity infrastructure, the Ujyalo Nepal Party has a strong vision for harnessing hydropower to drive the country's growth.

The party has emphasized its commitment to building hydropower and solar energy projects to guarantee a reliable electricity supply in the nation.

Congress Target: 14,000 Megawatts

The Nepali Congress, with the slogan “Adequate Energy: Sustainable Development,” has set a target of reaching a total installed electricity capacity of 14,000 megawatts within the next five years. The current capacity stands at around 4,000 megawatts. The party plans to expand this through international and private sector investment.

The Congress has committed to increasing per capita electricity consumption from the current approximately 450 units to 750 units, implementing the concept of “increasing consumption, decreasing tariffs,” and introducing a National Energy Security Policy. It has also pledged to move forward with projects such as Budhigandaki, Dudh Koshi, Betan Karnali, and to take serious initiatives toward implementing the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project.

UML’s “Clean Energy” Vision

CPN (UML) has adopted the slogan “Clean Energy, Domestic Consumption for Green Development, Export Abroad,” prioritizing hydropower, solar energy, and green hydrogen. The party aims to double both electricity production and per capita consumption, and to establish Nepal as a clean energy export hub in South Asia.

Its plans include advancing projects like Upper Arun, Dudh Koshi, and Budhigandaki; encouraging private sector participation in generation and transmission; and providing electricity at affordable rates for agriculture, industry, and irrigation.

CPN’s Long-Term Target

The CPN has announced a plan to add 10,000 megawatts within five years and a long-term target of producing 40,000 megawatts by the year 2100 BS (approximately 2043 AD). It also aims to increase per capita consumption to 750 kilowatt-hours within five years.

The party’s vision includes organizing electricity exports more systematically, expanding trade with India and Bangladesh, and making the energy sector a primary driver of job creation.

Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Ambitious Plan

The Rastriya Swatantra Party has set a target of producing 30,000 megawatts within the next decade. It has pledged to amend land, forest, and environmental laws; establish a single-window service center; and adopt private-sector-friendly policies.

The party also aims to expand solar energy, develop pump storage systems, promote energy-based industries, and increase per capita electricity consumption to 1,500 kilowatt-hours by 2035.

Shared Commitments, Implementation Challenges

Most party manifestos portray the energy sector as the foundation of economic prosperity. Increasing production, expanding exports, creating jobs, and ensuring energy security have become common agenda items.

However, energy experts argue that the success of these manifesto commitments will depend on implementation. Without policy clarity, political stability, financial resource mobilization, and effective energy diplomacy, achieving these ambitious targets will be challenging.

The parties claim that rapid development of the energy sector can enable an industrial revolution, expand employment, and achieve economic self-reliance. The real challenge now lies in transforming commitments into action.