"Government is establishing a foundation for a resilient, low-carbon economy"
KATHMANDU, JANUARY 28: Minister for Energy Dipak Khadka has stated that the government is progressing in a well-planned manner to establish a foundation for a resilient, low-carbon economy, focusing on sustainable and inclusive energy development.
Speaking at the "Energy Transition for Resilient and Low Carbon Economy Summit 2025" in the capital today, Minister Khadka emphasized that the government is implementing risk-reduction plans in development projects, increasing internal power consumption, and promoting energy exports. He also highlighted the importance of considering potential risks in infrastructure development and stressed the need for risk assessments.
Minister Khadka mentioned that the support of donor agencies and development partners should be effectively utilized for sustainable development. He discussed the provisions of the government’s 10-year Energy Development Strategy, outlining the strategy’s goals for the next decade. He stated that the target of generating 28,500 megawatts of power by 2035 is achievable and that laws have been revised to support this goal. Additionally, the government aims to increase per capita power consumption to 1,500 units.
He also noted that the private sector has been involved in the construction and operation of transmission lines to strengthen the energy sector. Furthermore, Minister Khadka mentioned that shares would be allocated to project-affected communities and households, which would help attract investment and ensure local ownership of the projects.
Water Resources and Irrigation Secretary Sarita Dawadi, speaking at the event, emphasized the need for increased investment in the renewable energy sector to complete the electrification drive. She advocated for using alternative energy sources to extend electrification to areas without transmission lines.
Development Director at the British Embassy in Nepal, Pippa Bird, stressed the importance of mobilizing green finance for renewable energy promotion. She also called for a robust distribution system and infrastructure development for cross-border power transmission to increase access to domestic power supply.
Executive Director of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Nabaraj Dhakal, shared that the Centre is collaborating with various development partners, the private sector, and local governments to create a sustainable, reliable, and secure power system.
Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), noted that energy is closely related to food security. He observed that Nepal has significant potential to benefit from clean energy in sectors such as public transport, agriculture, and tourism. He suggested that countries like Nepal and Bhutan, which face high natural disaster risks, should prioritize small hydropower projects over large-scale ones.
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