Pioneer Law Associates is Nepal’s leading commercial law firm with a deep-rooted specialization in the energy and infrastructure sector. We have been involved in the evolution of private sector participation in Nepal’s hydropower industry from its earliest phases — having advised investors in Khimti I Hydropower Project (1994), one of the first major private sector-led power development initiatives in the country. With over 40 years of experience, our firm has played a pivotal legal advisory role in Nepal’s most ambitious energy and infrastructure projects.
Our Energy & Infrastructure Practice is staffed by a dedicated team of lawyers who have acted as legal counsel to project developers, investors, international financial institutions, lenders, and regulatory authorities across various stages of project development.
We have advised on some of the most strategic projects in Nepal, including:
- Upper Karnali Hydropower Project (900 MW)
Legal due diligence of the project company, review of concession agreement (PDA), and review of cross-border PPA with the Bangladesh Power Development Board.
- Lower Arun Hydropower Project (669 MW) and Arun 4 Project (490 MW)
Advised SJVN Limited on SPV structuring in Nepal, incorporation, joint venture negotiation with NEA, PDA negotiation with IBN, and review of cross-border PPAs.
- Marsyangdi River Cascade Project (601.2 MW consolidated)
Assisted with share acquisition from GMR, licensing, SPV establishment, PDA and PPA negotiations, corporate governance, construction contract review, and financial closure process with EXIM Bank.
- China-Nepal Friendship Industrial Park (USD 596 million)
Legal advisor on PDA negotiations with IBN and land lease agreements with Industrial District Management Limited.
- Upper Trishuli I Hydropower Project (216 MW)
Acted for project lenders on local law compliance, review of finance and security documents, Direct Agreement with Government of Nepal, and legal opinions on foreign lending, security structure, and hedging arrangements.
- Project Urja (64.71 MW total)
Legal counsel to IFC on introduction of mezzanine finance structure; advised on facility agreement, security package, legal due diligence, and regulatory approvals for foreign lending.
- Gham Power Solar Rooftop Projects
Drafted model Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), supported SPV incorporation, advised on corporate structuring, and assisted in exploring capital raising and merger strategies for commercial rooftop solar projects.
- Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC)
Legal advisor on disputes between NEA and private developers regarding PPAs and dedicated feeders; advised on systemic legal issues in the energy sector.
- USAID Urja Nepal Program
Prepared draft PDAs, PPAs, competitive bidding documents, and transmission service agreements for hydropower and transmission projects to align with evolving regulatory and commercial standards.
- Electricity Bill 2023 Reform
Provided comprehensive reform recommendations to enhance private sector participation, transmission development, asset monetization, and ease of entry.
- Green Bond and Debt Securities Regulatory Framework (World Bank Group)
Developed legal and regulatory frameworks for issuance of green bonds and corporate debt instruments in Nepal, including regulatory drafting, document review, and approval facilitation.
With proven experience in hydropower, renewables, industrial infrastructure, and energy policy reform, Pioneer Law offers sector-specific legal counsel rooted in practicality, timeliness, and local insight — delivering solutions that meet global standards and enable long-term investment in Nepal.
