Nepal aims to generate 28,500MW of electricity by 2035, says Minister Khadka at SCO meet in China

KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka addressed the fifth energy ministers’ level meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states today in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.

He emphasised the need to create a regional framework, strengthen cooperation and make it more effective with innovative ideas for investment promotion and energy trade, taking into account the population, resources and potential of SCO countries.

Under the theme ‘Integrated Innovation for Energy Future’, Khadka stressed the importance of regional unity, cooperation and collaboration in promoting energy development, grid connectivity, innovation and energy security.

He told delegates that Nepal aims to generate 28,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity by 2035 and has launched plans to export 15,000 megawatts.

Nepal currently produces approximately 3,500 megawatts and work is underway to double this output in the near future.

He said electricity trade with neighbouring countries has begun, noting that, under the trilateral energy cooperation policy, Nepal exported power to Bangladesh for the first time via India’s grid.

As an SCO dialogue partner, Nepal is committed to deepening regional energy cooperation, Khadka added, and supports development and expansion of the sector based on environmental balance, innovation and sustainable development.

Minister Khadka left for China on June 24 to attend the meeting.

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