Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Hydropower and Irrigation, Kulman Ghising, has sought the support of the South Korean government in developing reservoir-based hydropower projects. Minister Ghising emphasized the need for such mega projects, particularly those exceeding 500 MW, to maintain energy balance and facilitate energy export.
According to National News Agency Nepal, during a courtesy call from South Korean Ambassador Park Taeyoung, Minister Ghising highlighted the potential areas for collaboration between the two nations. He noted that alongside hydropower, there is significant potential for green hydrogen production in Nepal, which could be leveraged for fertilizer production and public transportation operations.
Ambassador Park Taeyoung, who visited Minister Ghising at his office, extended congratulations and best wishes for the Minister’s tenure. During their discussion, Minister Ghising also urged South Korea to consider increasing the quota for Nepali workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS) and to support entrepreneurial initiatives among Nepali youths returning from Korea.
Minister Ghising further updated the Ambassador on the progress of the Upper Trishuli-1 (216 MW) hydropower project, which is being constructed with South Korean investment and is expected to achieve a significant milestone by December. The project has already recorded over 70 percent progress.
In response, Ambassador Park mentioned ongoing discussions with Nepal’s Finance Ministry to aid in the construction of transmission lines, marking another potential area for collaboration between the two countries.