This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 8/2/2019

Overview

Nepal’s energy demand, at more than 1,400 MW, exceeds the country’s power supply.  During the dry winter months, energy production in Nepal’s run-of-river hydropower projects can fall by more than two-thirds, leaving Nepal reliant on electricity imports.  Nepal’s transmission infrastructure remains limited to urban areas, leaving many rural communities without electricity.  Furthermore, frequent petroleum shortages and the high cost of running diesel generators have prompted some businesses, wealthy urban households, and rural communities to turn to solar energy.
 
Following the April 2015 earthquake, the Prime Minister's Office, National Planning Commission, Urban Development Ministry, and other government agencies announced plans to introduce solar power facilities to rural areas as a more reliable and cost effective source of power.
 
Renewable Energy Equipment (U. S. $ thousands)

 

2014

2015

2016

2017 (Estimated)

Total Local Production

0

0

0

0

Total Exports

0

0

0

0

Total Imports

67,436.90

12,631.72

9,652.54

 

Imports from the US
 

345.10

212.31

146.08

 

Total Market Size

67.436.90

12,631.72

9,652.54

10,000.00

Exchange Rates

98.55

99.79

106.65

107.92

(total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports)
Total Imports:  Trade and Export Promotion Center, Nepal
Imports from U.S.:  Trade and Export Promotion Center, Nepal

Leading Sub-Sectors

  • Solar panels
  • Inverters
  • Batteries
  • Solar water heaters

Opportunities

Prospects in renewable energy equipment sales have so far been limited to individual households, through one of more than eighty solar equipment supply companies in Nepal.  However, opportunities to introduce enterprise solar systems to businesses and factories hold tremendous potential.

Web Resources

United States International Trade Commission: www.usitc.gov
Trade and Economic Promotion Center, Nepal: www.tepc.gov.np
Alternative Energy Promotion Center: www.aepc.gov.np
Nepal Electricity Authority: www.nea.org.np
Ministry of Energy: www.moen.gov.np

 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.