Nepal's Department of Electricity Development (DoED) issued survey licenses to 99 hydropower projects during the fiscal year 2082/83, covering a combined installed capacity of 3,211 megawatts (MW).

According to the department, seven solar energy projects also received survey licenses during the year, representing a combined generation capacity of 311 MW.

The department also approved surveys for several electricity transmission projects, including 179 circuit kilometers of 220 kV transmission lines, 270 circuit kilometers of 132 kV lines, and 132 circuit kilometers of 33 kV transmission infrastructure.

In addition, 29 hydropower projects obtained generation licenses during the fiscal year, representing a combined capacity of 1,857 MW. Three solar power projects with a total capacity of 31 MW also received generation licenses.

The Department of Electricity Development stated that it collects approximately Rs 3.5 billion in royalties annually from licensed energy projects. The royalty revenue is distributed among provincial and local governments, contributing to regional development and local economic growth.

To date, the department has issued generation licenses to 264 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 12,336 MW. In the solar energy sector, 10 projects have received generation licenses with a combined installed capacity of 74.6 MW.

Regarding transmission infrastructure, construction approvals have been granted for 1,097 circuit kilometers of 400 kV transmission lines, 656 circuit kilometers of 220 kV lines, 1,608 circuit kilometers of 132 kV lines, and 337 circuit kilometers of 33 kV transmission lines, according to Director General Mandevi Shrestha.

The latest figures highlight Nepal's continued expansion in hydropower generation, renewable energy development, and transmission infrastructure, strengthening the country's long-term goal of becoming a regional exporter of clean electricity.