Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kulman Ghising has announced the government’s readiness to immediately eliminate the 10 percent provision currently existing in Nepal’s energy mix. This decision was shared during a meeting with representatives from the Renewable Energy Confederation Nepal (RECON), a private sector umbrella organization involved in micro hydropower, biogas, biomass, solar energy, and wind energy sectors.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Ghising affirmed his commitment to developing a sustainable, inclusive, and robust renewable energy system. The minister emphasized that mainstreaming renewable energy in the country’s energy development would assist Nepal in achieving its net-zero emission target by 2045. During the meeting, a delegation from RECON submitted a memorandum to Minister Ghising, calling for the implementation of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Act, 2080, and effective representation of the private sector in the Energy Regulatory Commission.
The memorandum also advocated for the implementation of net-metering, decentralized manufacturing, institutionalization of rooftop energy in national energy policy, and the expansion of the ‘AAA’ model in energy projects. It highlighted the need to create employment opportunities for Gen-Zs at the local level. Additionally, the memo stressed the importance of reducing investment risks by expanding carbon market mechanisms, offering tax exemptions and customs concessions, ensuring concessional loan guarantees, connecting micro-hydropower projects to the national transmission line, and collaborating with universities and international partners.
RECON President Kushal Gurung expressed that Minister Ghising was supportive of creating employment opportunities for women, youths, Gen-Zs, and marginalized communities. Gurung noted that this would increase participation in ownership and entrepreneurship, ensuring people’s involvement in the production, transmission, and distribution of energy.