Minister Khadka: Nepal Targets 28,500 MW Power Generation in 10 Years to Achieve Prosperity

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has expressed confidence that the development of the energy sector will pave the way for national prosperity. Speaking at the inauguration of the Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project on Wednesday, Minister Khadka emphasized the government’s ambitious target of generating 28,500 megawatts of electricity within the next ten years.

He stated that Nepal is moving forward hand in hand with its two major neighbors—India and China—to enhance cooperation in the energy sector. Highlighting the growing domestic and foreign interest in Nepal’s hydropower industry, Minister Khadka welcomed the increasing investment in energy, recognizing it as a key driver of economic growth.

He noted that relations with neighboring countries have strengthened through energy cooperation. While the government has set an ambitious production target, Nepal seeks to fully harness its water resources to meet this goal.

“With the belief that the development of the energy sector can lead to national prosperity, the government has set a target to generate 28,500 megawatts of electricity in the next ten years. I would like to thank our neighboring friends—India and China—for their continuous support,” said Minister Khadka. “Nepal wants to walk in step with both these countries rather than lag behind. Ten years ago, there was little willingness to invest in this sector. Even financial institutions were hesitant. But now, with courage and understanding of the sector’s potential, large investments are pouring in. Support from neighboring nations has also begun to grow, which is a matter of pride.”

Minister Khadka assured that there will be no more load-shedding in Nepali households. Although the financial status of the Nepal Electricity Authority is not very strong, he mentioned there is room for substantial improvement. He further expressed faith in the leadership of the NEA’s Executive Director, who he praised as one of the most capable engineers in Asia, to maintain economic discipline and drive the development of the hydropower sector effectively.