(Unofficial Translation)

Government of Nepal

Ministry of Population and Environment

Renewable Energy Subsidy Policy, 2073 BS

May 2016
1. Background
Nepal is endowed with good renewable energy potential. The major sources of renewable energy are
mini and micro hydropower, solar energy, various forms of biomass energy, biogas and wind energy
etc. Despite huge renewable energy potential, still around 85% of the total final energy consumption in
Nepal is met by traditional biomass energy and around 28% of households (HHs) in Nepal do not have
access to electricity. It is not possible to significantly improve the living standard of the low income
population living in the rural areas if their renewable energy demand is not met.
Extension of national grid to reach those areas is not possible in many years to come due to difficult
terrain, high cost and existing energy crisis in the country. Therefore, clean and sustainable energy such
as Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) needs to be developed as immediate and long-term
solutions. The economic hardship of people living in the rural areas and the high initial cost of the
RETs justifies the need of subsidy and concessional credit facilities to increase access to cleaner
energy.

2. Past Efforts
The Government of Nepal (GoN) has been supporting promotion and development of RETs since more
than past two decades with support from Development Partners (DPs), private sector and non-
governmental organizations. These initiatives have resulted in significant fruitful achievements in the
development of renewable energy in the country. The GoN and DPs have been providing financial and
technical support to increase energy access in the rural areas both for household's consumption and
productive end uses.

3. Present Situation
Till date, around 25% population has access to electricity through renewable energy sources. Around
30 MW of electricity has been generated from mini and micro hydro schemes, 15 MWp from solar PV
system and around 20 kW from wind energy. More than 1.5 million households have been benefited
from different renewable energy sources for cooking, lighting and productive end uses.
The GoN and various DPs have been providing financial and technical support to increase access to
clean energy. The Renewable Energy Subsidy Policy 2012 has supported in bringing down costs of
RETs, ensuring quality and increasing beneficiary trust on technologies. But majority of the population
living in the rural areas under poverty level remain without access to clean energy have been deprived
of basic energy solutions due to high initial upfront cost of the RETs.

4. Major Problems and Challenges

Although the Renewable Energy Subsidy Policy 2012 has successfully developed market for renewable
energy technology areas, significant challenges have prevented adequate mobilization of commercial
investment into the RET sub-sectors. Both public and private investments are required to meet the
needs of remaining rural populations without energy access. Subsidy from the government has not
effectively mobilized private investment or commercial credit into Nepal’s renewable energy sector till
date to the extent envisaged. On the contrary, there are evidences that high subsidy rates may actually

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be standing in the way of attracting these complementary investments on the basis of mutual benefit.
Additional challenges are low utilization rates for the energy produced and delays faced by vendors in
being reimbursed for subsidy.
Major problems and challenges are as follows:
a) Lack of mobilization of credit and high dependence on subsidy is hampering the expected
promotion of RETs. Financial closure for community electrification projects is taking an
excessively long time while communities strive to identify multiple sources of subsidies and
grants on top of that provided by AEPC instead of accessing loan.
b) Policy barriers for private sector investors and service providers to access subsidies is reducing
private sector investment, keeping out management skills and technology dissemination that
private companies can bring in.
c) The flexibility in the pre-qualification system for consultants, manufacturers, vendors, and
contractors has inhibited competition (resulting in high cost structure) and impeded
technical/technological quality improvement in the domestic renewable energy sector.
d) There is a need to extensively promote productive end use of energy to bring about
improvements in rural livelihood by increasing the plant factor of mini and micro-hydro projects.
e) Verification, monitoring and quality assurance, and testing against standards incur large financial
costs and delays that needs to be streamlined.
f) Energy tariffs for rural areas are not enough to recover the initial investment costs for the
facilities. The tariffs only seem to recover small loan repayment and operation and regular
maintenance costs.

5. Need for Policy Revision

In order to widely develop the RET sector, encourage very poor households to use RETs, timely
revision of the subsidy amount and credit and to encourage private sector and financial institutions to
invest in the sector while focusing on providing service delivery of utmost quality in rural areas, the
existing policy was not adequate and hence, the need to revise and formulate a new policy has been
realized. The new policy mainly focuses on gradually replacing subsidy by credit in the long-term.
Similarly, it focuses on further scaling up of RETs and achieving the objectives of the UN's
“Sustainable Development Goals” and “Sustainable Energy for All”.

6. Long-term Goal
To achieve universal access to clean, reliable and affordable renewable energy solutions by 2030.

7. Objectives
To reduce dependence on traditional and imported energy by increasing access to renewable energy for
improving the livelihoods of people and create employment opportunities especially in the rural areas.

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8. Strategies
8.1. To reduce the initial upfront cost thereby increasing the access to the renewable energy services.
8.2. To maximize service delivery and efficiency in the use of renewable energy resources and
technologies in rural areas and to use renewable energy solutions thereby reducing regional
disparity, creating rural employment and enhancing livelihood of rural people particularly
households from single women, low income, natural disaster victims and socio-economically
disadvantaged groups.
8.3. To support development and growth of the renewable energy market by mobilizing commercial
credit, attracting private sector/entrepreneurs and reducing their investments risks.
8.4. To encourage public-private sector participation in the renewable energy technologies.

9. Working Policies
9.1. Best available renewable energy technology based on cost per unit of energy output will be
promoted.
9.2. Additional studies and research on renewable energy technologies will be conducted to reduce
costs and to encourage the technology transfer.
9.3. Use of renewable energy services will be encouraged for reducing the drudgery of rural women
thereby increasing their productive time and improving health and educational status of the
households.
9.4. Support will be provided for achieving the government’s long-term target of reducing energy
supply and consumption disparity in rural and urban areas through rural electrification and
availability of energy services.
9.5. Support will be provided for sustainable development of RET market in Nepal.
9.6. The institutionally strengthening and working area expansion of Central Renewable Energy
Fund (CREF) will be accomplished to ensure credit mobilization into the renewable energy
sector.
9.7. Private sector participation in ownership, operation and management of RETs will be
encouraged.
9.8. Technical quality in the renewable energy sector will be enhanced.

10. Key Subsidy Determinants

10.1. Due to the high cost of material, equipment and transportation for project construction in very
remote and remote areas, subsidy amount varies according to geographic regions.
10.2. Although subsidy amount differs according to technology and region, subsidy amount
generally covers 40% of the total costs. Out of the remaining amount, around 30% from credit
and around 30% from private sector investment or community or households in kind and/or
cash can be mobilized.
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 10.3. Least cost to energy output from among the available technologies gets subsidy prioritization.
10.4. Subsidy will be provided to RETs on the basis of availability and appropriateness of natural
resources, willingness of beneficiaries to procure and socio-economic benefits of the
technology. Mini/micro hydropower will be taken as the basic infrastructure necessity for rural
electrification and the Government of Nepal has fixed subsidy level based on Community
Rural Electrification Policy.
10.5. Subsidy for RETs will be provided to the least cost to energy output best available technology
on the basis of technology type, cost and capacity, geographical location and targeted
beneficiaries.

11. Subsidy for different RETs

The following subsidy amount will be provided to different RETs such as mini/micro hydropower,
improved water mill, solar energy, biogas, biomass energy, wind energy, etc. based on project cost per
output:

11.1. Mini/Micro Hydropower and Improved Water Mill

The subsidy will be provided to mini/micro hydropower with capacity less than 1000 kW in areas
without national grid access on the basis of actual power generation (kW) or actual energy
consumption (kWh). For mini/micro hydro projects with possibility of both grid supply and local
distribution, subsidy will be provided for the portion of power generation or energy consumption by
consumers within the local distribution network. In addition, subsidy will be provided for distribution
network construction based on actual households connected.
11.1.1. Community, Cooperative, Private, Public Private Partnership owned Mini/Micro
Hydropower
The subsidy for off-grid community/cooperative/private/public private partnership owned mini/micro
hydropower from 10 kW up to 1000 kW projects, depending on the choice of the project developer to
opt for subsidy on the basis of actual power generation or actual energy consumption, will be as
follows:
Subsidy Amount in Rs.
Humla, Dolpa and Category “A”
Mugu districts Regions except Category Category
Subsidy Category
where goods Humla, Dolpa “B” “C”
transport is only and Mugu Regions Regions
possible by air Districts
A) Subsidy on the basis of project
Distribution (per HH) 35,500 32,000 30,000 28,000
Generation – Equipment (per kW) 125,000 95,000 85,000 80,000
Generation – Civil (per kW) 80,000 30,000 25,000 20,000
But, the maximum subsidy amount per kW for generation and distribution will not exceed Rs. 382,000;
Rs. 285,000; Rs. 260,000 and Rs. 240,000 for Humla/Dolpa/Mugu, Category "A", Category "B" and
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Category "C" regions respectively. Distribution subsidy will be provided to a maximum 5 households
per kW but distribution to household is not a requirement to qualify for generation subsidy.
B) Subsidy on the basis of energy consumption
Energy Consumption (per kWh) 55% 50% 45% 40%
Subsidy for energy consumption will be paid to the concerned project operator over a period of five
years only based on actual energy consumption.

Clarification: For the purpose of this policy, Category "A", Category "B" and Category "C" regions
refers to Very Remote, Remote and Accessible areas as mentioned in Annex-1 of this
policy.
11.1.1.1. Mini/micro hydropower for productive energy use
In order to replace the use of fossil fuel by electricity from mini/micro hydropower in productive
applications particularly in sectors like tourism, mining, marble cutting, stone crushing, cement
manufacturing, irrigation, pumping and large-scale agro-processing, generation – equipment subsidy
amount as per Section 11.1.1 will be provided. A detailed business plan with local employment
opportunities has to be prepared by the developer to be eligible for subsidy.
11.1.2. Pico Hydro up to 10 kW capacity
The subsidy for pico hydro up to 10 kW capacity will be as follows:
Subsidy Amount in Rs.
Subsidy Category Capacity Category “A” Category “B” Category “C”
Regions Regions Regions
Distribution (per HH) Up to 10 kW 11,500 10,500 10,000
Generation (per kW) Less than 5 kW 70,000 60,000 50,000
5 kW to 10 kW 95,000 85,000 75,000
But, for systems having capacity less than 5 kW, the maximum subsidy per kW will not exceed Rs.
185,000; Rs. 165,000 and Rs. 150,000 for Category "A", Category "B" and Category "C" regions
respectively. Similarly, for systems from 5 kW to 10 kW, the maximum subsidy per kW will not
exceed Rs. 210,000; Rs.190,000 and Rs.175,000 for Category "A", Category "B" and Category "C"
regions respectively. However, in case of individual developers, conditions as specified in the Subsidy
Delivery Mechanism should be fulfilled to be eligible for subsidy.

11.1.3. Additional Subsidy

An additional subsidy of Rs. 4,000 per household will be provided to “targeted beneficiary groups” for
new mini/micro hydropower constructions as per Sections 11.1.1 and 11.1.2.
Clarification: For the purpose of this policy, “targeted beneficiary groups” refers to “women-led
households with dependent children, earthquake victims from earthquake affected
districts, endangered indigenous community identified by GoN and Dalit”.

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 11.1.4. Incomplete old micro hydropower projects
Micro hydropower projects in remote areas that have not been completed due to lack of financial
resources or technical reasons by the time of approval of this policy will be provided one time subsidy,
including regular subsidy and additional subsidy, of up to 80% of the cost for ensuring its completion.
However, projects that have already received additional subsidy previously will not receive additional
subsidy through this policy.
11.1.5. Improved Water Mill
11.1.5.1. The subsidy for improving water mill for mechanical applications like hulling and
grinding will be as follows:
Subsidy Amount in Rs.
Type of Improved Water
Category “A” Category “B” Category “C”
Mill
Regions Regions Regions
Grinding 18,000 16,000 14,000
Hulling and grinding 38,000 36,000 34,000

11.1.5.2. The subsidy for private or community owned improved water mills generating up to 5
kW of electricity providing electricity access to nearby households will be as follows:
Subsidy Amount in Rs.
Subsidy Category Category “A” Category “B” Category “C”
Regions Regions Regions
Distribution (per HH) 11,500 10,500 10,000
Generation (per kW) 50,000 30,000 20,000
But, the maximum subsidy amount per kW for generation and distribution will not exceed Rs. 107,500;
Rs. 82,500 and Rs. 70,000 for Category "A", Category "B" and Category "C" regions respectively.

11.2. Solar Energy – Areas not connected to the National Grid

The following subsidy will be provided for electricity through solar energy in areas without access to
electricity through the national grid or other renewable energy sources:
11.2.1. Solar PV Home Systems (SHS)
Subsidy for solar PV home systems will be available as follows:
Subsidy Amount in Rs.
Subsidy Category Category “A” Category “B” Category
Regions Regions “C” Regions
10 - 20 Wp Small SHS (per HH per system) 5,000 4,800 4,500
50 or more than 50 Wp SHS (per HH per system) 10,000 9,000 8,000

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 11.2.2. Solar Mini Grids
The subsidy for community/cooperative/private/public private partnership owned solar electrification
projects up to 1000 kWp in areas not connected through national grid or other sources, depending on
the choice of the project developer to opt for subsidy on the basis of actual power generation or actual
energy consumption, will be as follows:
Subsidy Amount in Rs.
Subsidy Category Category “A” Category “B” Category
Regions Regions “C” Regions
A) Subsidy on the basis of project
Distribution (per HH) 32,000 30,000 28,000
Generation – Equipment (per kWp) 175,000 165,000 150,000
But, the maximum subsidy amount per kW for generation and distribution will be maximum of 60% of
the system costs but not exceeding Rs. 495,000; Rs. 465,000 and Rs. 430,000 for Category "A",
Category "B" and Category "C" regions respectively. Distribution subsidy will be provided to a
maximum 10 households per kW.
B) Subsidy on the basis of energy consumption
Energy Consumption (kWh) 60% 60% 60%
Subsidy for energy consumption will be paid to the concerned project operator over a period of five
years only based on actual energy consumption. However, irrespective of whatever is stated above,
financial support more than the subsidy amount mentioned above can be provided for pilot projects as
per the understanding between GoN and DPs.

11.2.3. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 65% of the total systems cost but not exceeding Rs.
500,000 will be provided for solar photovoltaic system to be installed in public institutions
in rural areas particularly for operating computers and other electrical equipment in
schools, for operating vaccine refrigerator and other electrical equipment and lighting
purposes in health posts, government and community hospitals.
11.2.4. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 60% of the total costs but not exceeding Rs. 1,500,000
per system will be provided for PV pumping system for drinking water managed by
community or private company. An additional subsidy of Rs. 4,000 per household will be
provided to the “targeted beneficiary groups”.
11.2.5. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 60% of the total costs but not exceeding Rs. 2,000,000
per system will be provided for PV pumping system for irrigation of agricultural land
managed by community or private company.

11.3. Solar PV – Areas connected by National Grid but Irregular in Supply

The following subsidy will be provided in urban areas connected to the national grid but with irregular
supply:
11.3.1. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 40% of total costs but not exceeding Rs. 8,000,000 in
Metropolitan and Sub-Metropolitan cities, up to 60% of total costs but not exceeding Rs.
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 6,000,000 in Municipalities and up to 70% of total costs but not exceeding Rs. 4,000,000
in urbanizing VDCs will be provided for installation of Solar Street Lighting.
11.3.2. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 80% of the total costs but not exceeding Rs. 9,000 for
20 Wp systems and subsidy amount of up to 70% of the total costs but not exceeding Rs.
20,000 for more than 50 Wp systems will be provided to solar PV systems to be installed
in the religious and spiritual places.
11.3.3. In order to charge existing inverter and battery systems through solar energy or to install
new solar PV systems, subsidy amount of Rs. 20,000 per household per system will be
provided for solar household systems of capacity 200 Wp or above.
11.3.4. If 5-year “Equated Monthly Installment (EMI)” based bank loan is accessed for installation
of solar PV systems for commercial use (more than 1,500 Wp) and domestic use (more
than 500 Wp), subsidy amount of 50% on interest for commercial use and 75% on interest
for domestic use will be provided through the bank.
11.3.5. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 60% of total costs but not exceeding Rs. 500,000 will
be provided for solar PV systems to be installed in public educational institutions, public
health facilities and community hospitals.

11.4. Solar Thermal System

The following subsidy will be provided for various types of solar thermal technologies:
Category “A” Category “B” Category “C”
Regions Regions Regions
60% of total cost or 50% of total cost or 40% of total cost or
Domestic Cooker Rs. 15,000 Rs.12,000 Rs. 10,000
whichever is lower whichever is lower whichever is lower
Institutional cooker (public 75% of total cost or 60% of total cost or 50% of total cost or
institutions/hospitals, army/police Rs. 1,000,000 Rs.500,000 Rs. 400,000
barracks, schools, old age whichever is lower whichever is lower whichever is lower
homes/ashrams)
60% of total cost or 50% of total cost or 40% of total cost or
Dryer (3-20 sq. ft) Rs. 22,500 Rs.18,000 Rs. 15,000
whichever is lower whichever is lower whichever is lower
75% of total cost or 60% of total cost or 50% of total cost or
Dryer (21-85 sq. ft) Rs. 150,000 Rs.150,000 Rs. 100,000
whichever is lower whichever is lower whichever is lower
75% of total cost or 60% of total cost or 50% of total cost or
Dryer (more than 85 sq. ft) Rs. 225,000 Rs. 180,000 Rs. 150,000
whichever is lower whichever is lower whichever is lower

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 11.5. Biogas
The subsidy is applicable to GGC (Gobar Gas Company) 2047 Model, the GGC 2047 modified model
and other latest efficient models of various capacities to serve the homes, public institutions,
commercial enterprises and communities.
11.5.1. Domestic Biogas Plant
11.5.1.1. Subsidy per plant per household for domestic biogas plant, using animal dung as the
main fuel, will be as follows:
Subsidy Amount (Rs)
Region
2 cum 4 cum 6 cum and above
Mountain Districts as specified by GoN 25,000 30,000 35,000
Hill Districts as specified by GoN 20,000 25,000 30,000
Terai Districts as specified by GoN 16,000 20,000 24,000

However, the subsidy amount specified above for 6 cum and above domestic biogas plant will be
reduced by 5% every year up for 3 years from FY 2074/75.
11.5.1.2. Additional 10% of the subsidy amount specified above per plant per household will be
provided to the “targeted beneficiary groups”.
11.5.1.3. In case of biogas plants using kitchen waste and other household bio-degradable waste,
subsidy amount of up to 50% of the total cost but not exceeding Rs. 10,000 will be
provided to specific designs of domestic biogas plants with capacity 4 cum or less in
order to improve urban environment and reduce consumption of imported fuel.
11.5.2. Waste-to-Energy based Biogas
Biogas plants with a capacity from 12.5-35 cum are considered as small, 35-100 cum are considered as
medium and above 100 cum are considered as large biogas plants.
11.5.2.1. Biogas plants which utilize human waste, solid waste, agriculture residues etc.
available in the public institutions such as schools, colleges, hospitals, police and army
barracks, senior citizen homes and religious places will be eligible for institutional
subsidy.
11.5.2.2. Enterprises such as poultry farms, cattle farms, slaughter houses, small/cottage,
medium and large scale industries etc. that are owned by private entities having good
potential for biogas production are considered to be commercial entities. The
enterprises with high volume of organic waste production have a high potential of
biogas production. The energy thus produced can either be distributed or self-
consumed. Such small, medium and large biogas plants are eligible for subsidy under
commercial category.
11.5.2.3. Subsidy in case of waste-to-energy plants has been calculated on the basis of biogas
generation capacity of the plant

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 Subsidy Amount in Rs.
Thermal Application per CuM of Biogas Produced Per Additional Subsidy for
Biogas Plants day at Normal Temperature & Pressure Electricity Generation
per kW (Baseload for
Terai Hills
24 hrs)
Commercial Small Medium Large Small Medium Large
65,000
Biogas Plants 20,000 25,000 30,000 24,000 30,000 36,000
Institutional
Biogas Plants for
57,000 68,000 185,000
Public
Institutions
Community
45,000 54,000 150,000
Biogas Plants
Municipal Scale 40% of total
Waste to Biogas 40% of the total cost but 40% of the total cost but electrification cost but
Energy Systems not exceeding Rs. 200,000. not exceeding Rs. 240,000. not exceeding Rs.
400,000.

11.6. Biomass Energy

Subsidy amount for biomass energy systems or technologies will be as follows:
11.6.1. No direct subsidy will be provided for the promotion of household mud improved cooking
stoves. However, local bodies are encouraged to provide financial support to install mud
ICS to targeted beneficiaries like women-led households with dependent children,
earthquake victims, endangered indigenous community identified by GoN.
11.6.2. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 50% but not exceeding Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 4,000 per
stove per household for metallic improved cooking stove of one or two pot hole and three
pot hole types respectively will be provided in areas above the altitude of 1,500 m for
cooking and space heating. For these stoves, additional subsidy amount of Rs. 1,000 and
Rs. 500 per stove per household will be provided for Category “A” and “B” VDCs listed in
Annex-1.
11.6.3. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 50% of the stove cost but not exceeding Rs. 20,000 per
stove will be provided for metallic improved cooking stove to be installed in institutions
like public school, public hospital/health post, police and army barracks, religious places
and orphanage homes for cooking and space heating purposes.
11.6.4. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 50% of the stove cost but not exceeding Rs. 3,000 will
be provided for one or two pot hole with full or partial metal body portable/rocket
cookstoves in rural and peri-urban areas.
11.6.5. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 50% of the stove cost but not exceeding Rs. 4,000 will
be provided for one or two pot hole with full or partial metal body gasifier system
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 household cook stoves in rural and peri-urban areas.
11.6.6. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 50% of the plant cost but not exceeding Rs. 150,000
will be provided to metallic gasifier plant for thermal applications for agro-processing by
small, medium and cottage enterprises.
11.6.7. Additional subsidy amount of Rs. 1,000 per stove per household will be provided for the
metallic improved cookstoves to the “targeted beneficiary groups”.
11.6.8. Subsidy for biomass electrification projects above 5 kW up to 100 kWp in areas not
connected through national grid or other sources, depending on the choice of the project
developer to opt for subsidy on the basis of actual power generation or actual energy
consumption, will be as follows:
Subsidy Amount in Rs.
Subsidy Category Category “A” Category “B” Category “C”
Regions Regions Regions
A) Subsidy on the basis of project
Distribution (per HH) 32,000 30,000 28,000
Generation (per kW) 125,000 110,000 100,000
But, the maximum subsidy amount per kW for generation and distribution will not exceed Rs. 445,000,
Rs. 410,000 and Rs. 380,000 for Category "A", Category "B" and Category "C" regions respectively.
Distribution subsidy will be provided to maximum of 10 households per kW.
B) Subsidy on the basis of energy consumption
Energy consumption
50% 50% 50%
(kWh)
Subsidy for energy consumption will be paid over a period of five years only after electricity
generation based on actual energy consumption.

11.7. Wind Energy

Subsidy for wind energy will be provided to areas which are not connected through the national grid
and other sources and with potential of electricity generation though wind energy. Subsidy for
electricity generation up to 100 kW powered by wind energy will be as follows:
Subsidy Amount in Rs.
Subsidy Category Category “A” Category “B” Category “C”
Regions Regions Regions
Distribution (per HH) 32,000 30,000 28,000
Generation (per kW) 175,000 165,000 150,000
But, the maximum subsidy amount per kW for generation and distribution will not exceed Rs. 495,000,
Rs. 465,000 and Rs. 430,000 for Category "A", Category "B" and Category "C" regions respectively.
Distribution subsidy will be provided to maximum of 10 households per kW. However, irrespective of
whatever is stated above, financial support more than the subsidy amount mentioned above can be
provided for pilot projects as per the understanding between GoN and DPs.
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Distribution systems above 10 kW must be constructed as per the Integrated National Power System
(INPS) standards. If the power plant is owned or operated by a private company, ownership of the
distribution system built will be transferred to the community (user committee) after the completion of
construction or availability of national grid in the area after being operational.
Additional subsidy of Rs. 4,000 per household will be provided to the “targeted beneficiary groups”.

11.8. Solar-Wind Hybrid Energy Systems

Electrification through solar-wind hybrid system will only be allowed in areas not connected through
the national grid and other renewable energy sources. Subsidy for solar-wind hybrid systems owed by
community or cooperative or private or public private partnership from 5 kW up to 100 kW will be
provided as follows:
Subsidy Category Subsidy Amount in Rs.
Category “A” Category “B” Category “C”
Regions Regions Regions
Distribution (per HH) 32,000 30,000 28,000
Generation (per kW) 175,000 165,000 150,000
But, the maximum subsidy amount per kW for generation and distribution will not exceed Rs. 495,000,
Rs. 465,000 and Rs. 430,000 for Category "A", Category "B" and Category "C" regions respectively.
Distribution subsidy will be provided to maximum of 10 households per kW. However, irrespective of
whatever is stated above, financial support more than the subsidy amount mentioned above can be
provided for pilot projects as per the understanding between GoN and DPs.

11.9. Productive Energy Use

Industries and enterprises that produce material and services as well as generate employment and
improve income through the use of thermal, electrical or mechanical applications of renewable energy
will be eligible for subsidy.
11.9.1. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 40% of the total investment cost for energy conversion
and processing equipment, hardware part of the enterprise and basic infrastructure required
for the enterprise but not exceeding Rs. 100,000 will be provided for micro enterprises
based on renewable energy.
11.9.2. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 30% of the total investment cost for energy conversion
and processing equipment, hardware part of the enterprise and basic infrastructure required
for the enterprise but not exceeding Rs. 200,000 will be provided for small and medium
enterprises based on renewable energy.
11.9.3. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 50% of the total investment cost for necessary
equipment, hardware and basic infrastructure but not exceeding Rs. 300,000 will be
provided for managing established community electrification project as an enterprise.
11.9.4. Maximum subsidy amount of up to 60% of the total investment cost for necessary
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 equipment and hardware but not exceeding Rs. 1,000,000 will be provided for the lift
irrigation projects in micro hydro catchment areas.
11.9.5. Additional subsidy of up to 10% but not exceeding Rs. 10,000 will be provided to
enterprises operated by households of the “targeted beneficiary groups”.

12. Credit and Other Provisions

12.1. In order to access subsidy for mini/micro hydropower project with capacity larger than 10 kW,
either a minimum of 20% credit should be mobilized from banks and financial institutions or
alternately should have financial closure of the project within 6 months; however, in case of
Mugu, Humla and Dolpa districts, either a minimum of 20% credit should be mobilized from
banks and financial institutions or alternatively should have financial closure of the project
within 6 months in order to be eligible for subsidy for mini/micro hydropower project with
capacity greater than 50 kW.
12.2. In order to be eligible for subsidy for electrification through wind energy, solar mini-grid,
biomass energy or hybrid energy greater than 10 kW capacity, either a minimum of 20% credit
should be mobilized or alternatively should have financial closure of the project within 6
months.
12.3. In order to be eligible for subsidy to manage and operate institutional and community owned
other renewable energy schemes, either a minimum of 10% credit should be mobilized from
banks and financial institutions or alternately should have financial closure of the project
within 3 months.
12.4. In order to encourage financial institutions to invest in renewable energy, an institutional credit
mechanism has been created to provide both a credit-line and credit guarantee scheme under
CREF. CREF will disburse both soft loan and subsidy.
12.5. In case of domestic renewable energy technologies particularly solar home systems, biogas,
metallic improved cook stoves, metallic rocket stove, etc., per unit cost price will be
determined for the suppliers every fiscal year depending upon demand of district and
geographic region. Users will receive subsidy from recognized company on the basis of the
determined per unit cost price. However, such subsidy will not exceed the amount as
mentioned in respective technology-specific clauses of this policy.
12.6. In order to ensure universal energy access to less RETs coverage areas and to ensure access to
basic energy services to targeted beneficiaries, disaster victims or regions with low RET
penetration and in piloting energy services based subsidy models, interest will be solicited from
private companies/vendors to fulfill GoN target in specific district/region at a competitive
lowest price under a reverse auction model.
12.7. Subsidy will be provided to the various renewable energy systems or projects either managed
by communities or private sector.
12.8. Since subsidy is provided to rural households and communities for supply and installation of
RETs and systems through recognized private companies, no tax will be levied on such subsidy
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 disbursements. However, since the remaining amount, apart from subsidy, is borne by the
households and communities themselves, tax is applicable on the amount as per prevailing
laws.
12.9. According importance to high quality technology products in the market, AEPC will further
strengthen its role in testing and certification. Additionally, AEPC will also play a role in
developing appropriate institutional capacity for managing lead acid battery used in RETs.
12.10. Urban households and institutions that are using inverters have to compulsorily install solar
energy technologies.
12.11. Supplying electricity in important business, domestic and public institutions in the urban areas
through solar energy and managing basic minimum energy requirement in newly constructed
houses through renewable energy sources will be encouraged.
12.12. If electricity is continuously available from the national grid as a result of development of
high capacity electrical power by private or public institutions and if grid synchronization is
legally and technically possible, grid connection has to be done with an appropriate tariff
system.

13. Institutional Arrangement

For the implementation of this policy, the following institutional arrangement will be made:
13.1. At the Centre, AEPC will be responsible for providing technical assistance, evaluating subsidy
applications forms or documents of different renewable energy systems and projects, selecting
RETs companies for manufacturing, supply and installation of RE related material and
equipment, monitoring installed systems and standardizing equipment and materials related to
RETs.
13.2. At the Centre, Central Renewable Energy Fund (CREF) is established for mobilization of
subsidy amount. CREF will be managed by an “A class” commercial bank selected by GoN
through competitive basis.
13.3. At the local level, the local bodies will be responsible for the promotion, demand collection,
on-site monitoring and disbursement of the subsidy for RETs as mentioned in the subsidy
delivery mechanism.

14. Monitoring and Evaluation

AEPC will conduct on-site monitoring of renewable energy systems and projects every trimester and
annually while there will be third party independent monitoring and evaluation on the impact of
subsidy, field verifications of installed RE systems or projects every two years or whenever necessary.
At the local level too, local bodies will conduct on-site monitoring.

15. Special subsidy arrangement for earthquake affected areas

Subsidy for earthquake affected households from 14 most earthquake affected districts will be as
follows:
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 15.1. Maximum subsidy amount of up to Rs. 400,000 but not exceeding 80% of the total costs will
be provided for new micro hydropower construction up to 100 kW capacity.
15.2. Maximum subsidy amount of up to Rs. 8,000 per household but not exceeding 75% of the total
costs for 20 Wp solar home systems, up to Rs. 10,000 per household but not exceeding 70% of
the total costs for 21-40 Wp solar home systems will be provided. However, technology
installment of 10 Wp solar home systems and metallic improved cook stoves will be done on a
competitive low cost basis by private companies through reverse auction.
15.3. Additional 20% subsidy will be provided on top of the subsidy amount as specified in Section
11.2.4 for solar pumping systems for drinking water.
15.4. In hilly regions, maximum subsidy of up to Rs. 40,000 but not exceeding 70% of total costs
will be provided for domestic biogas plant of 4 cum while maximum subsidy amount of up to
45,000 but not exceeding 70% of total cost will be provided for domestic biogas plant of 6
cum. Similarly, in Terai regions, maximum subsidy of up to Rs. 35,000 but not exceeding 70%
of total costs will be provided for domestic biogas of 4 cum and maximum subsidy of up to Rs.
40,000 but not exceeding 70% of total costs will be provided for domestic biogas of 6 cum.
15.5. Maximum subsidy of up to Rs. 8,000 but not exceeding 80% of the total cost will be provided
for metallic improved cook stoves.
However, irrespective of whatever is stated above, if the renewable energy project or system has
received subsidy before the earthquake and the project or system at the household level is completely
damaged by the earthquake, only 50% of the above mentioned subsidy amount will be provided.

16. Subsidy Delivery Mechanism and Other Provisions

16.1. Subsidy for various renewable energy technologies or systems and for productive end uses will
be provided in simple, effective and transparent way through a subsidy delivery mechanism to
be prepared by AEPC and implemented after approval from the Ministry. The subsidy delivery
mechanism will also include financial support to be provided for detail feasibility studies of
various renewable energy projects or systems, technical standards and design, monitoring and
evaluation and penalty systems, after-sales-service, etc.
16.2. Subsidy amount for different renewable energy technologies and systems as specified in this
policy will be mobilized as mentioned in the subsidy delivery mechanism.
16.3. Determination of subsidy amount for renewable energy is based primarily on categorization of
VDC to consider remoteness and the lack of road infrastructure. Additional subsidy for
transportation by VDC categorization addresses the issue of remoteness. The Ministry will
review and modify the VDC categorization mentioned in Annex-1 as per necessity.
16.4. Above-mentioned level of subsidy will be reviewed as per need or every two years.

17. Annulment
Renewable Energy Subsidy Policy, 2069 and Urban Solar System Subsidy and Credit Mobilization
Guidelines, 2072 have been annulled. All activities done within that policy and guidelines will be
considered to be done under this policy.

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 Annex 1
S.N. Districts Category “A” Regions Category “B” Regions Category
“C” Regions
1. Solukhumbhu Khumjung, Namche, Kerung, Tapting, Mawe, Chaulakharka, All other
Chaurikharka, Jubing, Goli, Taksindhu, Beni, Loding, areas of the
Chheskam, Bung, Gudel, Waku, Tamakhani, Salleri, Kaku, Wasa, Jubu, districts
Sotang Panchan, Kagel, Mukali, Deusa, Garma, mentioned
Nechabedaghari, Nechabatashe, Salyan, here and
Tingla, Bhakanje, Lokhim, Gorakhani, remaining
Nele districts of
2. Manang Dhyaru, Pisang, Bhraka, Thoche, Dharapani, Chame, Bagarchap the country
Khangsar, Manang,
Tangkimanang, Nar, Phu
3. Mustang Dhami, Charang, Lomanthang, Kagbeni, Chhusang, Muktinath, Lete,
Chhondup, Chhoser, Surkhang Marpha, Kunjo, Jhong, Kowang,
Tukuche, Jomsom
4. Rukum All areas
5. Dolpa All areas
6. Mugu All areas
7. Humla All areas
8. Jumla All areas
9. Kalikot All areas
10. Taplejung Olangchunggola, Papung, Iekhabu, Thapethok
Yamfudin, Lelep
11. Sankhuwasabha Pawakhola, Hatia, Chepuwa, Diding
Num, Kimathanka, Sisuwa,
Wala, Makalu, Mangtewa, Yafu,
Tamphu, Pathibhara
12. Dolakha Bigu, Aalampu, Gaurishankar, Khare, Marbu, Orang, Chilankha
Lamabagar
13. Rasuwa Thuman, Timure, Lamtang, Bridim, Haku, Gatlang, Goljung
Chilime
14. Gorkha Lho, Samagau, Prok, Bihi, Sirdiwas, Ueya, Kerauja, Khasigaun,
Chunchet, Chekampar Manbu, Laprak, Gumda, Lapu
15. Rolpa All areas
16. Achham All areas
17. Sindhupalchowk Gumba, Phoolpingkati, Tatopani
18. Dhading Lapa, Tipling
19. Jajarkot All areas
20. Dailekh All areas
21. Bajura All areas
22. Bajhang All areas
23. Darchula All areas

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