Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has said that the government has set a target to increase per capita energy consumption to 1,500 units within the next 10 years.
Speaking at the ‘Energy Transition for Resilient and Low-Carbon Economy Summit 2025 in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Minister Khadka said the government has formulated and implemented a 10-year strategy to outline the work to be done in the energy sector over the next decade. “By 2035, it is possible to achieve the target of producing 28,500 megawatts of electricity. For this, we have amended various laws to make them timely and relevant,” he added.
Khadka further said that the government was moving forward on the path of sustainable development by implementing plans to reduce risks in development projects, increase domestic energy consumption and promote energy exports. “It is now time to seriously think about ways to minimize the risks created during infrastructure development. It is essential to conduct risk assessments and take necessary steps to mitigate them,” Minister Khadka said. “For sustainable development, the support of donor agencies and development partners must be utilized effectively.”
Recalling Nepal’s commitment to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2045, Minister Khadka informed that the government has robust plans and has already amended necessary laws and built structures to achieve this goal.
Also speaking on the occasion, the Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Sarita Dawadi, stressed the need to increase investment in renewable energy to achieve 100% electrification. “The government has prioritized the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Electrification must also be achieved through alternative energy sources in areas where transmission lines have not reached,” she added.
Pippa Bird, Development Director and Deputy Chief of Mission at the British Embassy in Kathmandu emphasized the need to focus on green finance for the promotion of renewable energy. “Nepal must prioritize climate finance, green bonds and other innovative financial mechanisms, as well as foreign investment, to develop renewable energy projects,” she said. “To increase domestic electricity access, emphasis must also be placed on strengthening distribution systems, building cross-country transmission infrastructure for electricity trade and other related areas.”
The Summit will feature panel discussions on Energy Transition: Sectoral Needs, Opportunities and Challenges; Energy Transition: Towards Achieving Net Zero and Resilient Economy; Investment & Climate Finance for Energy Transition: Need for Domestic and International Financing; and Regulatory Framework, Governance, and Capacity Development for Energy Transition.
