Background
Nepal is witnessing significant growth in its electricity generation capacity, projected to reach 28.5 GW by 2035. This growth presents unique opportunities and challenges, particularly in terms of utilizing the projected surplus electricity effectively to boost economic growth and sustainable development. Simultaneously, there are challenges related to the lack of diversification of generation sources, which contributes to unreliable systems and seasonal/daily load imbalances. This call aims to address these challenges by fostering innovative projects that fully leverage the potential of anticipated and diversified surplus electricity.
Overall goal
Economic development and poverty alleviation in Nepal by sustainable use of electricity for industrial growth and a green transition.
Objectives
- More effective utilization of surplus electricity in key economic sectors to stimulate economic development and drive a sustainable, inclusive green economy and/or contribute to a diversified generation mix
- Increased demand and supply of affordable products and services contribute to an increase in the number of jobs in the key sectors
- Improved and increased number of skilled workforces in key sectors, considering the government’s policies and the GRID Development Plan
Scope of this Call
The Norwegian Embassy in Nepal and other donor partners invite interested stakeholders to solicit ideas that are capable of addressing the above objectives by developing comprehensive solutions that utilize Nepal’s projected surplus electricity across multiple sectors, including, but not limited to:
- Renewable Energy Diversification
- Energy Infrastructure and Storage
- Industrial Growth and Commercial Applications
- Sustainable Transportation
- Agricultural Value Chains
- SME and Entrepreneurship Development
Consortium Formation Encouraged
To tackle the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by surplus electricity, we encourage the formation of consortia. These may include a mix of local and international stakeholders such as government bodies, private sector entities, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions, ensuring a holistic approach to the value chains ideas provided by the stakeholders.
What We Are Looking For
Successful idea notes will have to demonstrate ideas that have:
- An integrated approach to managing and utilizing projected surplus electricity.
- The ability to operationalize projects that span the utilization of surplus electricity within entire value chains, from production to end-use
- Scalable innovations that contribute to Nepal’s economic resilience and sustainability as the supply of electricity increases
- Clear strategies for social and economic impact, particularly in improving local livelihoods and environmental outcomes
How to Apply
Interested consortia should submit an idea note proposal that outlines:
- The scope of the proposed idea, addressing all links in the value chain(s) addressed
- Expected outcomes and impacts
- The composition and governance of possible consortium partners
Idea notes should be formatted in Arial, size 12 font, and should not exceed four pages, excluding annexes that give details on participating parties etc. Budgets are not requested at this stage.
Submission Deadline and Contact Information
Idea notes must be submitted electronically to Einar.Telnes@mfa.no by April 28th 2025 with the subject line: EnergizeNepal_2/NPL23/0004.
Ideas selected for a final invitation of proposal will be notified before June 1st, 2025, and full proposals are expected to be received before July 1st, 2025.
Evaluation Process
Proposals will be evaluated based on their strategic alignment with the call’s objectives, the comprehensiveness of the approach to the value chain(s) addressed, innovation, and potential impact. Selected ideas will be invited to proceed to the full proposal stage, where detailing of ideas will be requested and required. Ideas selected for full proposals may also be combined with other ideas not selected. Awarding of contracts is expected no later than August 15th, 2025.
This invitation emphasizes the comprehensive development and enhancement of value chains that aim to utilize the project surplus electricity generation in Nepal. It encourages the formation of consortia to harness this energy effectively for the benefit of the economic development of the country. Adjustments can be made based on additional details or specific requirements.