Rural Energy Policy of Nepal

The overall goal of this policy is to contribute to rural poverty reduction and environmental conservation by ensuring access to clean, reliable and appropriate energy in the rural areas. The term “Rural Energy” means energy that is environmental friendly and used for rural households, economic and social purpose such as micro and mini hydropower, solar PV, onshore wind installations, bioenergy and other energy among others.

Some of the key renewable energy related objectives of the policy are:

• Access to energy will be increased through different rural energy technologies and grid extension guided by district level energy master plans. These plans will be based on district level energy generation potential and requirements. 
• RE public awareness/promotional programmes will be put in place including promotional activities, establishment of biogas related information centre and exhibitions, public awareness activities to increase the use of solar cookers and improved cook stoves. Rural electrification with users' participation will be implemented in their own initiative by safeguarding their interests.
• Arrangements will be made to provide concessional loans or on instalment basis if local consumer group or cooperative wants to take-over publicly owned small hydro power projects for operation and maintenance or own the projects.

In order to view a full version of the Rural Energy Policy of Nepal please click here.