February 10, 2025, Monday
Nepal 1:37:26 pm

Conference on Energy Transition for a Resilient and Low-Carbon Economy Summit concluded with seven point declaration

The conference was remarked as highly successful in gathering vision on clean energy promotion and development in Nepal

The Nepal Weekly
January 30, 2025

Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) organized conference on Energy Transition for a Resilient and Low-Carbon Economy Summit concluded with a seven-point declaration. The conference was organized on the occasion International Day of Clean Energy on 28th January, 2025 in Kathmandu.

The conference was a jamboree of renewable energy leaders, experts, professionals, entrepreneurs, academia, representatives of donor agencies and development partners and media persons. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka while keynote speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Shbhakar Dhakal.

Five different sessions on different aspects of clean energy promotion and development was conducted among the participants. They had lent wide and extensive knowledge, experiences and visions for the focus agenda.

With consents of the participants and based on the in depth discussions and brainstorming, a seven-point declaration was prepared.

The declaration elaborates the findings – present status of the policies, guidelines, practices, progress and achievements. On the basis of the findings, the conference has declared visions for actions to desired achievements within or around the stipulated time frame.

As per the declaration, the stake holders reaffirm their commitment to sustainable development, tackling climate change, and creating a low-carbon economy through just and inclusive energy transition.

The declaration mentions, the conference was able to recognize, (a) the urgent need to shift from fossil fuels to clean energy, highlighted by UN calling for a significant increase of investment in clean energy transition. (b) Nepal’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Climate Change Policy 2019 and (c) the importance of global cooperation to meet climate goals through financial support, technology sharing, and capacity building.

Hence, the conference decided commitment as below.

  1. Accelerate Energy Transition by Tripling Renewable Energy Deployment:
    1. Develop policies and regulations that promote renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.
    1. Upgrade grid infrastructure to better support renewable energy use.
  2. Enhance Energy Efficiency by Doubling Efforts:
    1. Establish energy efficiency standards for industries, businesses, and homes.
    1. Promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices among consumers and businesses.
  3. Strengthen Climate Adaptation and Resilience:
    1. Create climate adaptation plans that focus on vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
    1. Incorporate climate resilience measures into both national and local development strategies.
  4. Mobilize Finance:
    1. Attract investments in clean energy through supportive policies and incentives.
    1. Pursue financial support from international funds for both adaptation and mitigation efforts.
  5. Foster International Cooperation:
    1. Participate in global climate negotiations to drive effective climate action.
    1. Work with neighboring countries to share resources and technologies for climate solutions.
  6. Promote Public Awareness, Education, and Capacity Building through applied research development and innovation:
    1. Launch campaigns to inform citizens about the importance of climate action and sustainable practices.
    1. Empower local communities to take part in climate policy and project decisions.
  7. Acknowledge for Transparent Monitoring and Reporting:
    1. Set up solid systems for tracking and verifying our progress toward climate goals.
    1. Ensure accountability and transparency in how we implement climate policies.

The conference concludes with important notes to urge to Government and concerned institutions, such as (a) the international community to support developing countries like Nepal in meeting their climate goals as part of the Paris Agreement. (b) Public sectors to lead and private sectors to support and investment through B2B in sustainable and climate-friendly technologies. (c) Need to develop harmonize stable policy regime supporting just and inclusive energy transition. (d) Collaboration among academia and industries for promoting applied research, development, and innovation in clean energy technologies. (e) Civil society organizations to get involved in climate initiatives and ensure that all stakeholders are engaged and held accountable.

The express strong commitment in creating a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon future for Nepal and the world. A slogan also developed supporting global action citing “Clean Energy Way! Resilient Economy Stay!!” and also स्वच्छ ऊर्जा राम्रो! दिगो अर्थतन्त्र हाम्रो! in Nepali language.