Kathmandu, Nov. 4
Minister for
Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Kul Man Ghising, has said that the
government is prioritising measures to boost electricity demand within the
country and ensure that domestically generated power is effectively utilised.
Speaking at the 29th
anniversary function of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) in
Kathmandu on Tuesday, Minister Ghising said that efforts are being made to
promote the use of electric vehicles, install charging stations, and encourage
the adoption of induction cooktops to increase electricity consumption.
He noted that
while surplus electricity generated during the monsoon season is currently
being exported to India and Bangladesh, the government’s primary focus is on
expanding domestic consumption.
“Expanding
charging infrastructure and replacing firewood and gas with electric stoves
will help increase internal electricity demand,” he said, adding that plans are
being implemented to improve energy efficiency and promote energy transition.
Minister Ghising
stated that the government is ready to sign Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
with companies interested in investing in wind energy and that policies are in
place to integrate and store solar energy in the national grid.
According to him,
the last-mile electrification programme to extend electricity to unserved areas
has reached its final stage, with AEPC continuing to play a crucial role,
particularly in remote regions lacking access to clean energy.
Addressing private
sector concerns, Ghising said that the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) board
will soon make a decision regarding net metering and that the 10 per cent cap
on solar energy in the total energy mix will be removed.
Speaking on the
occasion, German Ambassador to Nepal Udo Eugen Volz highlighted Germany’s
three-decade-long partnership with Nepal in the renewable energy sector and
reaffirmed continued cooperation in promoting sustainable and low-carbon energy
solutions.
AEPC Executive
Director Navaraj Dhakal said the centre has provided clean renewable energy
technologies to around 3.7 million households, contributing about 8.5 per cent
to total electricity access.
More than 500
companies are active in the renewable energy sector, generating over 40,000
jobs directly and indirectly, he added. Dhakal stressed the need for increased
investment through viability gap funding and adequate budget allocation guided
by ministerial support.
Kushal Gurung,
President of the Renewable Energy Confederation of Nepal, called for the swift
approval of policies related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon
trading.
He urged the
government to create a favourable environment to attract private sector
investment in the sector.
Since its establishment, AEPC has installed 40,655
kilowatts of micro and small hydropower projects along with 11,104 improved
water mills. Likewise, 1,000,789 household solar power systems and 4,540
institutional solar systems have been installed.
The Centre has also facilitated the installation of
3,475 kilowatts (peak) of solar mini-grids and solar-wind hybrid mini-grids,
30,939 kilowatts (peak) of solar rooftop systems, 2,464 solar dryers and
cookers, and 4,280 solar-powered drinking water and irrigation pumps.
Likewise, 156,531 improved iron stoves, 82,485
electric cookstoves, 456,766 household biogas plants, and 1,423,242 improved
mud stoves have been installed.
To promote productive use of energy, 1,766
energy-based enterprises have been supported, while 3,309 solar street lights
and 4,865 solar energy systems have been installed in monasteries, temples, and
homestays across the country, informed the AEPC.
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