Minister Bhushal urged international investment in RETs in Nepal
The 12th assembly of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) brought together Heads of State/Government, Ministers and energy decision-makers among its Membership and States-in-Accession, as well as multilateral organisations, global stakeholders and private actors to reassess long-standing assumptions, perceived barriers and default decisions, and discuss the energy transition as an investment in our collective future. The Opening will feature a high-level meeting on the follow-up of COP26 and High-level Dialogues on Energy outcomes aligned with the Assembly theme “Energy Transition: From Commitments to Action”. The assembly was conducted from 14th to 16th January, 2022.
Ministerial roundtables and high-level events to focus on pressing issues of energy transition such as the geopolitics of green hydrogen, adaptation, finance and investment, just and inclusive transition, renewables in end-use sectors and latest developments on sources such as geothermal energy were the agenda of the assembly. A ministerial event on Africa and Small Island Developing States also convened to allow for an exchange of perspectives among countries that are most impacted by climate change
A number of Stakeholder Engagement events were organized virtually at the margins of the 12th IRENA Assembly that brought specific perspectives on the energy transition from parliamentarians, youth and the private sector.
The assembly was also expected to consider the conclusions of the Agency’s Council meetings and provides guidance on specific administrative and institutional matters.
Multilateral organisations, global stakeholders and private actors to reassess long-standing assumptions, perceived barriers and default decisions, and discuss the energy transition as an investment in our collective future. The Opening will feature a high-level meeting on the follow-up of COP26 and High-level Dialogues on Energy outcomes aligned with the Assembly theme “Energy Transition: From Commitments to Action”.
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhushal addressing the assembly on Sunday, said that Nepal welcomes international investments developing renewable energy projects in Nepal. She mentioned that Nepal is looking for cooperation as technical assistance and financial as well from international community for development of renewable energy in Nepal. Development of renewable energy is inevitable for the country to reduce climate change effects, adaptation and inclusiveness, she added.
Nepal had operationalizing Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) since 1996 to extend technical and financial support to communities and private sectors in developing renewable energy technologies.
Nepal has taken a target of zero emission by 2045 AD, Minister Bhushal recalled. She added that the country has been contributing clean energy trade and reducing carbon emission.
Nepal has potential of 42,000 Mega Watt of electrical energy from its rivers. Sunshine is available almost around the year, so development of renewable energy in Nepal can be beneficial to others as well.
Promotion of electric vehicles has been one of the priorities that Nepal government is seriously taking. By 2025, 20% of private vehicles and 20% of public transportation will be electric drive in Nepal, she mentioned.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organization mandated to facilitate cooperation, advance knowledge, and promote the adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy. It is the first international organisation to focus exclusively on renewable energy, addressing needs in both industrialised and developing countries. It was founded in 2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010.
The agency has staged a number of events bringing together member states for interaction on ways and means of furthering renewable energy, and conducted significant research and development into viable solutions for the future. On 8 September 2014, IRENA published a notable report on its works titled REthinking energy, which encouraged “speedier adoption of renewable energy technologies,” as “the most feasible route to reduce carbon emissions and avoid catastrophic climate change.” The study set out to gauge the global power sector and establish how technological advances, economic growth and climate change are transforming it.