KATHMANDU, JANUARY 6
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Kul Man Ghising, has underscored the need to prioritize solar energy in the coming days.
Addressing the 25th Annual General Meeting of the Solar Electric Manufacturers Association Nepal here today, Minister Ghising said solar energy should be given priority, as its use is steadily increasing in Nepal.
"Solar energy is being connected to the national grid. If solar power generation is increased, electricity imports can be reduced," he said.
The Energy Minister also noted that the government has been conducting studies on generating solar power by utilizing irrigation canals across the country. Citing India's production of more than 100,000 megawatts of solar energy, he said Nepal could significantly boost its solar output by harnessing the hills of its mountainous regions.
Minister Ghising further informed that construction of transmission lines is underway to facilitate the export of 15,000 megawatts of electricity to India.
Similarly, Vice-Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha, said power generation has been affected as streams are drying up due to the impacts of climate change.
He added that the 16th Five-Year Plan has accorded priority to renewable energy.
Likewise, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Chiranjivi Chataut, said the government is working towards the goal of achieving full electrification of the country within the next two years.
Executive Director of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), Nabaraj Dhakal, lauded the role played by the Association, in collaboration with AEPC, in expanding access to electricity to every corner of the country.
Senior Vice-President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Anjan Kumar Shrestha, praised the Association's efforts in making solar energy production dignified and systematic.
The 25th Annual General Meeting is expected to elect a new leadership.
(With inputs from Rastriya Samchar Samiti)