22 of the planet’s 34 vital signs are at record levels, with many of them continuing to trend sharply in the wrong direction. Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
The authors note that 2024 was the hottest year on record and likely the hottest in at least the last 125,000 years. Phys.org
Technical Scenario for 100% Renewable Energy in Nepal by 2050
“The N-1.5 °C scenario aims to ensure the access to energy—especially electricity—for all by 2050, while increasing the electrification and comfort standards to the levels of OECD countries.” Prakriti Resources Centre / UTS-ISF
- Energy: Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind have the potential to supply up to 70 percent of global electricity by 2050. Phys.org
- Ecosystems: Protecting and restoring ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, mangroves and peatlands could remove or avoid around 10 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year by 2050. Phys.org
- Food systems: Reducing food loss and waste, and shifting toward more plant-rich diets can substantially lower emissions while supporting food security. Phys.org
“According to the study… the total technical potential for solar energy production in Nepal is estimated at 432 GW (432,000 MW), which is tenfold higher than the economic and technical potential of hydropower (42,000 MW).” UrjaKhabar / Investment Board Nepal (summary)
“Under Scenario 2 (LU + PA + S30 + PT10) … utility-scale solar farms in Nepal can potentially harvest 431.8 GW of solar PV.” Prakriti Resources Centre / UTS-ISF Technical Scenario
“By 2050, 100% of the electricity produced in Nepal will come from conventional and new renewable energy sources under the WEM scenario… A 44% electricity supply from new renewable energy resources under the N-1.5 °C scenario will lead to around 35.4 GW of installed generation capacity in 2050.” Prakriti Resources Centre / UTS-ISF Technical Scenario
“The N-1.5 °C scenario will reduce final energy demand partially due to efficiency gains… By 2050, industry will consume at least four times more energy than in 2020, making this sector the second highest consumer after transport in all three scenarios.” Prakriti Resources Centre / UTS-ISF Technical Scenario
“The additional investment in solar PV under the N-1.5 °C scenario will amount to around 1.5 trillion Nepalese Rupees (US$10 billion) over 30 years.” Prakriti Resources Centre / UTS-ISF Technical Scenario
“Nepal will invest in new power generation—mainly hydropower (including decentralized mini- and micro-hydro)—over the next decades under all three scenarios… The electrification of remote villages under the N-1.5 °C pathway is mainly based on solar PV power mini-grids with (battery) storage systems.” Prakriti Resources Centre / UTS-ISF Technical Scenario
“The research team reviews high-impact groups of actions involving strategies around different sectors, including energy, nature and the global food system.” Phys.org / BioScience summary
Share Your Thoughts
- What short-term policies should Nepal prioritise in 2026 to scale solar and mini-grid deployment while protecting forests and water resources?
- Which mix of incentives (feed-in tariffs, net metering, concessional finance, land-use planning) would be most effective to unlock Nepal’s ~432 GW solar potential responsibly?
- How can Nepal balance large hydropower expansion, pumped-storage opportunities, and decentralized solar+storage to secure supplies and reduce seasonal risks?
- What community-led forest conservation or restoration actions could Nepal scale to capture the co-benefits of carbon removal, biodiversity, and water security?
- Which local projects, policies, or citizen actions have you seen or started that help renewable rollout, forest protection, or sustainable food systems in Nepal?
Sources: Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Phys.org / BioScience summary, Prakriti Resources Centre / UTS-ISF — Technical Scenario for 100% Renewable Energy in Nepal by 2050 (PDF), UrjaKhabar summary of solar potential (June 2024)