Government Prioritizing Renewable Energy and Efficiency: Minister Khadka

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has emphasized that a dedicated law on renewable energy and energy efficiency is a key priority for the government.

Speaking at an event focused on sharing experiences from the Nepal Renewable Energy Programme (NREP)—a joint initiative of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre and the UK Government—Minister Khadka highlighted the government’s recognition of the need for specific legislation to promote renewable energy and energy sufficiency.

He noted that the recently endorsed Energy Development Roadmap and Action Plan 2081 BS prioritizes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean energy transformation, aligning with Nepal’s international commitments on climate change. The roadmap targets 28,500 megawatts of electricity generation by 2035 and aims to achieve 100% household electrification within two years through off-grid solar, wind, and micro-hydro projects.

Minister Khadka stated that these initiatives would help Nepal achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 1045 BS, in line with the Paris Agreement.

Meanwhile, Energy Ministry Secretary Suresh Acharya emphasized the need for cooperation and support from development partners to achieve Nepal’s ambitious energy goals. Key stakeholders, including Alternative Energy Promotion Centre’s Executive Director Nawaraj Dhakal, NREP Coordinator Suman Basnet, and Renewable Energy Confederation of Nepal Chair Kushal Gurung, acknowledged the UK’s contributions to Nepal’s renewable energy sector.

The six-year Nepal Renewable Energy Programme, launched in early 2019, is set to conclude on March 31, 2025.