29th October 2025, Kathmandu
The Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, has issued a strong call to the international community, urging investment in Nepal’s massive hydropower and solar energy potential.
Kulman Ghising Nepal’s Role
Speaking at a thematic session on “Envisioning Regional and Global Interconnections for Large-Scale Clean Energy Transition” in New Delhi, Minister Ghising underscored that Nepal’s clean energy journey is entering a critical new era.
Nepal: The Strategic Enabler of South Asia’s Clean Energy
Minister Ghising strategically positioned Nepalese hydropower as the strategic enabler for the entire South Asian region’s clean energy transformation. He noted that Nepal’s hydropower is a crucial resource for building a resilient and stable power grid in the region.
“With the immense potential of hydropower, growing solar energy capacity, and expanding cross-border transmission lines and energy relations, we have the capability to sustainably energize the region. I invite our friendly nations and partners invest in Nepal, invest in renewable energy, and be a part of a bright and green future for all.”
Ambitious Renewable Energy Export Goals
The Minister highlighted Nepal’s ambitious national vision: to not only fuel its own development but also to become a major exporter of clean and green energy in South Asia.
Export Target: Nepal is aiming to export 15,000 megawatts of renewable energy by the year 2035.
Infrastructure Focus: To achieve this, Nepal and India are jointly identifying and constructing high-capacity transmission line infrastructure.
Vast Potential: Nepal boasts an estimated 83,000 MW of hydropower potential and an additional 42,000 MW of pumped-storage hydropower potential. These clean, renewable energy sources perfectly complement the solar and wind power of its neighboring countries.
The Push for an Integrated Power Market
Minister Ghising strongly advocated for regional countries to move towards an integrated power market to realize this vision. He stressed that as regional and global grids evolve, an interconnected transmission network will allow for the flow of renewable energy across borders, balancing electricity demand and supply, reducing costs, and expanding access.
Vision Alignment: This vision is fully aligned with the “One Sun, One World, One Grid” concept, where clean energy flows seamlessly and sustainably across borders.
Key Elements: Achieving a seamless, non-discriminatory, and unrestricted flow of green energy requires transparent regulation, harmonization of standards, and open access to transmission infrastructure to attract private investment and ensure long-term sustainability.
Climate Resilience and Regional Cooperation
Stressing that cross-border energy cooperation is at the heart of Nepal’s clean energy vision, Minister Ghising emphasized the need to strengthen transmission infrastructure between Nepal-India and India-Bangladesh.
This is essential to lay the foundation for a fully interconnected grid among BIMSTEC member nations and ensure effective regional power integration.
Finally, he called for stronger regional and international cooperation to address the severe damage caused by climate change to power systems and livelihoods.
Strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure is a national priority for Nepal to mitigate the frequent and increasing incidents of floods and droughts.
For more: Kulman Ghising Nepal’s Role