KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation held discussions with the Confederation of Nepalese Industries on Monday to formulate and strengthen strategies for the development of the country’s energy sector.
During the meeting, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working in close coordination with the private sector to advance overall energy development.
Minister Shrestha said the government is actively exploring ways to increase domestic electricity consumption alongside expanding exports. Emphasizing priorities such as reservoir-based projects, renewable energy, and higher electricity usage, he called for concrete suggestions from the private sector on enhancing the sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Confederation Chairman Birendra Raj Pandey stressed the need for clear policies to promote electricity consumption. He proposed allowing industries to generate their own power and transmit it through a wheeling charge mechanism, as well as permitting private sector participation in both domestic and international electricity trade.
Pandey also urged the government to expedite power purchase agreements (PPAs) for projects that have completed surveys, introduce incentives to shift industries from fossil fuels to electricity-based systems, and prioritize the development of alternative energy sources.
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