Development of renewable energy is a key to economy: Minister Bhusal

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation PamphaBhusal said that the government has given priority to the development of hydropower and other renewable energy technologies as these can make the country’s economy vibrant. She also stated that preparation has also been made to provide free electricity to the farmers for irrigation. She was addressing the 21st annual general meeting of the Solar Electric Manufacturers’ Association Nepal (SEMAN) in Banepa, on Thursday,

Minister Bhusal said that if the production of food materials could be increased by providing free electricity to the farmers, it would be possible to save Rs. 200 billion for the import of food materials and which ultimately supports to reduce the trade deficit.

She said that the government has been preparing to forward the construction of reservoir projects in all provinces through the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Power purchase agreement (PPA) of such projects has been given priority as it would significantly contribute to the quality and energy security, she mentioned.

Stating that solar energy technology is an important and widely preferred renewable energy technology in Nepal, the government is currently promoting solar home systems, institutional solar energy systems and solar thermal systems including solar stoves and solar driers, she said.

She said that Nepal should also work for the promotion of renewable energy to achieve the goal of zero carbon emissions by 2045 presented at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-26) in Glasgow, UK.

Government has adopted the policy of mixed energy system from the point of view of energy security so as 10 per cent of total energy generated will be electricity generated by non-hydro technology, she added,

On the occasion, Vice Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology Dr. Sunil Babu Shrestha, Executive Director of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre Dr. Madhusudhan Adhikari, Chairperson of Renewable Energy Confederation of Nepal (RECON) Guna Raj Dhakal and others also spoke on the importance of renewable energy and role of solar energy in the global and Nepal’s context. Similarly, President of the association Indra Khanal, Immediate Past President Kiran Gautam, Past Presidents Dipak Shahi and Uttam Sitaula also heighted on the activities and contribution of the association to the nation and the private sector engaged in the promotion and development of solar energy technology in Nepal.

The AGM also elected Prakash Bickram Basnet as president of new executive committee for the tenure of 2 years. Likewise, Bharat Kumar Malla, Rudra Bahadur Pun, Padam Prasad Bhattarai, Om KC were elected for the post of sr. vice president, first vice president, second vice president, general secretary, secretary and treasurer respectively. The executive committee members elected were Arun Giri, Bhanu Bhakta Paudel, Buddhi Raj Timilsina, Gyanu Shah, Hari Narayan Gautam, Indra Raj Subedi, Keshab Raj Sharma, Megh Bahadur Parajuli and Uttam Khanal.