Nepal’s large solar potential blocked by policy and bordersCEFR A1
4 Nov 2025
Adapted from Sonia Awale, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Calum Hill, Unsplash
- Globally, renewable energy now produces more electricity than coal.
- Solar provided 83 percent of the global increase.
- Nepal's technical solar potential equals 432 gigawatts total.
- The country has more than 300 sunny days yearly.
- Hydropower potential is 42,000 megawatts only.
- Glacial lake floods make hydropower less stable.
- Government caps solar at ten percent of electricity.
- Solar now supplies only five percent of power.
- Border politics have blocked some solar projects.
Difficult words
- sunshine — Light and warmth from the sun.
- energy — Power that can be used to do something.energy use
- hydropower — Electricity made from moving water.
- solar — Related to the sun or using sunlight.solar energy, solar power
- needs — Things that are necessary for survival.
- policies — Rules or plans made by a government.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think solar energy is hard to use in Nepal?
- How important is it to have stable energy sources?
- What could Nepal do to use more solar energy?
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