Kathmandu, July 18
In a move to promote sustainable industrial practices,
Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has disbursed Rs. 29 million in financial
grants to 10 Nepali industries adopting energy-efficient technologies.
The disbursement ceremony was held on July 17 at the
bank’s Kathmandu office, marking the official rollout of the REEEP-GREEN grant
facility.
The grant scheme falls under the Renewable Energy and
Energy Efficiency Programme – Green Recovery and Empowerment with Energy in
Nepal (REEEP-GREEN), co-financed by the European Union and Germany’s Federal
Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It provides partial
grant coverage for industries with strong energy-saving potential, helping them
adopt cleaner and more efficient technologies.
The supported industries implemented key energy-saving
measures identified through certified energy audits, resulting in projected
lifetime savings of approximately 36,788 MWh, the bank informed in a statement.
"These efforts directly contribute to Nepal’s
climate commitments and the country’s broader vision for sustainable industrial
growth," it said.
CEO of RBBL Devendra Raman Khanal reaffirmed the
bank’s dedication to green finance and environmental stewardship, and said that
the programme aligned with national sustainability goals. The event also
featured remarks from Rudra Khanal, Director of the Alternative Energy
Promotion Centre, and representatives from the EU, German Embassy, and GIZ
Nepal.
The initiative prioritises energy efficiency,
environmental compliance, and decent work conditions, and aims to foster a
circular economy in Nepal. "The lessons from this first round of funding
are expected to inform future business cases for loan and blended finance
models, encouraging wider industry participation and supporting long-term
sustainable development across the country," read the statement.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 July 2025.
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