Key Takeaways:

• 45 engineers from more than 25 institutions completed training in solar PV and battery energy storage systems (BESS)
• The programme focused on design, installation, operation, maintenance and safety of industrial-scale energy systems
• Training was conducted under the AEPC-GRIPS 2 partnership and led by international BESS expert Dr Bhawani Singh Rathore
• Organisers said the initiative will help strengthen grid resilience, industrial decarbonisation and energy security

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 1 The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), in collaboration with the Grid Resilience through Intelligent Photovoltaic Storage 2 (GRIPS 2) Project, has trained 45 engineers in solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) for industrial applications. The five-day practical training brought together engineers from more than 25 public and private institutions and covered the design, installation, operation, safety and maintenance of industrial-scale solar PV and battery storage systems. The programme was led by international BESS master trainer Dr Bhawani Singh Rathore and was implemented under the AEPC-GRIPS 2 institutional partnership. According to organisers, the GRIPS 2 project aims to expand intelligent energy-storage technologies in Nepal. The initiative includes development of a 2 MW/4 MWh battery energy storage system and a 924 kWp solar PV smart microgrid for Laxmi Steel Industries. Speaking at the programme, AEPC Executive Director Nawa Raj Dhakal said expanding energy-storage infrastructure is important for Nepal's clean energy transition and industrial resilience. He said the training would help develop technical expertise needed to improve grid flexibility, industrial decarbonisation and peak-demand management. Practical Action Nepal Country Director Pooja Sharma said Nepal's transition toward smart and inclusive industrial development requires a skilled workforce capable of deploying and managing modern energy-storage technologies. Organisers noted that strengthening domestic expertise in battery storage has become increasingly important as extreme weather, floods and landslides continue to affect electricity transmission infrastructure across the country. They said developing a pool of trained BESS professionals would contribute to a more decentralised, resilient and climate-responsive energy system in Nepal.