The Clean Energy Solutions Center, under its Ask an Expert program, collaborated with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide expert support during a workshop designed to scale up Nepal’s renewable energy sector.

Held in Kathmandu, the ADB workshop convened a wide range of stakeholders and funders, including the Clean Energy Development Bank based in Nepal. Workshop participants examined key issues and challenges Nepal faces in developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Currently, Nepal’s power generation is met predominantly by river-run hydropower, which is constrained during dry seasons.

The second primary focus of the workshop addressed the challenges faced by independent power producers (IPPs), in particular issues such as securing financing, accessing debt and equity, and controlling costs.

Support provided through the Solutions Center highlighted the benefits of photovoltaic (PV) systems and how solar technologies can support the power needs of Nepal, especially during dry seasons. The Solutions Center expert, Mr. Toby Couture, also provided advice on the basic structure and design of a successful solar policy.

Impact of Assistance

Through the collaboration with ADB and the Nepal Government, support provided by the Solutions Center Ask an Expert program will help Nepal make objective, informed decisions on the development and implementation of a solar policy.

With PV costs now broadly competitive, Nepal has an opportunity to deploy solar projects that will provide the country a reliable source of electricity during the dry and sunny seasons when hydropower dependability is compromised. Additionally, IPPs now have the information they need to work toward developing greater regulatory certainty and a clear framework for selling to the network power generated from PV and other clean energy technologies. IPPs can also structure power purchase agreements to include protections against currency risks and other investment factors.