PM Oli assures adequate energy consumption amid expanding industries

KATHMANDU, JANUARY 17 : Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has assured that there is no need to worry about energy consumption in the country, as several heavy industries, including iron, steel, and fertilizer plants, are in the process of being established. Additionally, preparations are underway to revive closed industries under new operational models.

Speaking at the Silver Jubilee program of the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN) today, PM Oli expressed confidence that energy producers would identify markets for their output, eliminating concerns about surplus energy.

The Prime Minister announced that the government has devised a roadmap to generate 28,500 MW of electricity over the next 11 years. "We have eight industrial zones. The Dhaubadi iron mine is being developed, and a fertilizer factory is in the pipeline. Gas production has started in Dailekh, and efforts are ongoing to revive closed industries. All of these require significant energy," he said, emphasizing that research into green hydrogen energy is also underway.

Highlighting the need to explore new opportunities in the energy sector, PM Oli commended power producers for their contributions to modernizing the country and transitioning it "from darkness to light." He urged producers to continue investing in the sector rather than leasing their hydropower licenses to other investors.

The Prime Minister also underlined the government's commitment to fostering investment from private, foreign, and public sectors in energy development. He stated that the achievements of energy producers have not only transformed the nation’s energy landscape but also addressed criticisms suggesting that only governance systems had changed, without improvements in people's lives.

On another note, PM Oli clarified that recent ordinances were issued to serve public interests and expedite development. He assured that these ordinances would be presented in parliament within the next 15 days and passed within two months.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reiterated his determination to boost renewable energy production while reducing dependency on environmentally harmful fossil fuels, such as imported coal, petrol, and diesel.