Integrated development of hydropower and solar energy stressed

KATHMANDU, JUNE 13: A study has shown that emphasis should be given to power production based on renewable energy sources like solar photovoltaic, reducing full dependency on hydropower at a time when water levels in rivers have started decreasing due to climate change.

The study report on 'Integrated Development of Hydropower and Solar Energy for Security, Affordability, and Sustainability in Nepal's Energy Mixture' stressed that there is immense potential for renewable energy, including hydropower and solar energy, in Nepal, and it should be developed as a complement.

The study was carried out with the support of the Renewable Energy Promotion Centre and the Solar Technology Promotion Programme for Economic Development, run by GIZ (a German development agency).

At a program organized here today with the objective of presenting the final conclusions of the study report before all stakeholders, the Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Sushil Chandra Tiwari, said emphasis would be laid on the development and expansion of renewable energy, including solar energy along with hydropower, for the security and export of power in the coming days, analyzing the energy sector of Nepal.

Executive Director of the Centre, Nabaraj Dhakal, pointed out the need to create a policy-level and investment environment for the development of sustainable and clean energy.

As per Nepal's commitment to the Paris Agreement, Nepal has to develop renewable energy, excluding hydropower, to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions by 2045. Additionally, 20 percent of energy consumption should come from renewable sources by 2030.

The report of the Second Nationally Determined Contribution (2020) has set a goal of producing 5,000 megawatts of electricity from renewable energy by 2030.

 

 

 

 

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