KATHMANDU: The “Energy Development Roadmap and Action Plan 2024” has been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation to advance Nepal’s energy sector.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, unveiled a report detailing his ministry’s performance and achievements over the past 100 days.
Recognizing the crucial role of the energy sector in the national economy, the ministry outlined plans to optimally develop domestic energy resources, explore cross-border electricity trade, and boost local electricity consumption, among other initiatives, Minister Khadka stated.
He further revealed that the government aims to produce 28,500 megawatts of electricity by 2035, requiring an estimated investment of over Rs 4,600 billion.
Despite the significant damage caused to the energy and irrigation sectors by monsoon-induced rains, the ministry achieved 98 percent of its targeted activities, as well as additional initiatives, according to Khadka.
Among the ministry’s key accomplishments during Khadka’s first 100 days in office are the approval and implementation of the Water and Meteorology Policy 2081 BS, the approval of criteria for research and study on water resources and irrigation, and the submission of construction standards to the Council of Ministers for approval.
A significant achievement, according to Khadka, was the signing of a tripartite power trade agreement between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh on October 3, allowing the export of 40 megawatts of energy. An additional agreement was signed to export 230 megawatts of energy to India to meet electricity demand during the dry season.
The operation of several substations and transmission lines across the country, including the 220/132/33 KV Chilime Hub GIS Substation and the Dhalkebar-Inaruwa 400 KV transmission line, were also highlighted as key milestones.
The construction of several hydropower projects and transmission lines has been accelerated to bring them into operation as soon as possible, the ministry reported. Significant progress has also been made in the installation of irrigation facilities across various regions.
State Minister for Energy, Water, and Irrigation, Purna Bahadur Tamang (Kancharam), emphasized that the energy sector is a key driver of economic growth, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the development and promotion of the sector.
Also present at the press conference were ministry officials, including Secretary Sarita Dawadi and heads of electricity-related agencies, who reiterated their dedication to achieving the government’s goals for advancing the energy sector.
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