The Nepal Weekly 
January 9, 2024
By Shiksha Khanal
Experts and professionals from the both government and private sectors have underscored the need to build strong strategy to develop, generate and utilize of renewable energy resources.
During a programme jointly organized by Renewable Energy Confederation of Nepal (RECON) and Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) on Thursday, they discussed on recently concluded COP28, its outcomes and the steps Nepal needs to take to contribute to the fight against climate change.
Raju Pandit Chhetry, executive director of Prakriti Resources Centre Nepal shed light on the activities and outcomes of the global climate summit. He mentioned voice raised to phase out fossil fuels in the summit and concluded that at transition to renewable energy. He also said the participation of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal was remarkable. Likewise, presence of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in an exclusive meeting on mountain issues also holds much significance, he pointed out.
Chhetri also mentioned about the funds created for loss and damage and also access to Green Climate Fund. However, Nepal needs intricate activities and efforts to get the funds available with strong proposals and follow up procedures. He opined that private sector participation on such global forums and sidelines can bring desired results. The government has to play a profound role to bring the green climate fund within the country, he added.
Barsha Parajuli, another COP28 participant also shared experience to the gathering. She stressed need of strong preparation and wider participation of social organisations and private sector.
Experts in the meeting, highlighted the requirement of government strong collaboration with the private sector for the increment in the utilization of renewable energy resources. Purushottam Ghimire, Dr. Narayan Prasad Adhikari, Krishna Prasad, Kushal Gurung, Devkota, Kuber Mani Nepal, Dinesh Paudyal, Bed Prakash Kharel spoke on the private sector strength and need of government supports. They also stressed need of government policy on utilizing internal financial resources.
Guna Raj Dhakal, chairperson of RECON said that Nepal has immense of capacity and expertise in renewable energy technologies suitable for Nepal. Microhydro, Solar, Biogas, Wind energy, Biomass are among them. Government policy is the main aspect that can widen the strength to bring results. The existing capacities need protections by availing opportunities, and also supporting with technical and financial resources. The private sector is ready to develop renewable energy technologies. He also stressed on need of review on policy on energy mix which allows 5 to 10 per cent in the existing scenario where as that needs to be widen to 20 to 25 per cent give for renewable energy technologies excluding of hydropower.
Nawa Raj Dhakal, executive director of AEPC expressed his deep concern on the challenges to meet the targets of renewable energy generation as in line with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) which Nepal submitted to the UN body in December 2020. He elaborated some major activities being carried out by AEPC and efforts for further more renewable energy activities and collaborating with private sector.
The discussion programme was conducted by Purna N. Ranjitkar, the climate journalist and managing editor of The Nepal Weekly
