KATHMANDU:  Independent Power Producers' Association Nepal (IPPAN) has urged the government to declare energy emergency in the country and make necessary arrangements for the acceleration of hydro power projects.

Organizing a press meet in the capital today, IPPAN said that a total of 10,000 MW electricity was required to address severe energy crisis seen in the country. Nepal should be declared the energy crunch nation until the country met the target.

The Association has drawn attention of the government towards the energy crisis in the nation.

The Association stressed on the need of formulating a national energy security policy, identifying and promoting new energy sources including hydro power and ultimately ending monopoly on the import of petroleum products from India.

It has urged the government to come up with short, mid and long-term visions and action plans to address the problem of energy crisis faced by the nation.

"There should be import of petroleum products from at least three countries. The storage capacity of fuel should be increased, dependency on only one country for the import of petro products should end and diversities of energy sources needs to be indentified and promoted," stated IPPAN.

It has insisted the ministries and departments to work closely for the promotion of hydro sector in the country.

Further it has suggested for the adjustment of electricity tariff, additional power purchase agreement and construction of reservoir-based hydropower projects should be given priority by the nation, said IPPAN in the press meet.