EU Ambassador Lorenzo Meets Minister Khadka, Discusses Energy Cooperation

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, on Monday.

During the meeting at Singha Durbar, discussions focused on EU assistance in Nepal’s energy, water resources, and irrigation sectors, along with other bilateral matters.

Minister Khadka expressed appreciation for the EU’s longstanding support in Nepal’s clean energy, climate change response, and economic stability. He shared Nepal’s goal of generating 25,800 megawatts of electricity by 2035 and emphasized the need for continued support from development partners. He also informed the ambassador that the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill has been presented to Parliament.

Ambassador Lorenzo reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in climate change mitigation and alternative energy development. She also praised Nepal’s regional energy partnerships and highlighted EU interest in investing in the Upper Arun and Dudhkoshi Reservoir projects.

Additionally, both sides discussed the upcoming inauguration of the Chilime-Trishuli Transmission Line, developed with EU funding, according to the Minister’s Secretariat.

The EU has been a reliable development partner of Nepal since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1974.