At 25th AGM of SEMAN, Minister Ghising urges priority for solar energy

KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kul Man Ghising has urged that solar energy be given priority as its use rises in Nepal.

Speaking at the 25th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Solar Electric Manufacturers Association Nepal (SEMAN) in Kathmandu today, Minister Ghising said, “Solar energy is being connected to the national grid. The import of electricity can be reduced if the production of solar energy is increased.”

Minister Ghising said the government is carrying out a study to produce solar energy in irrigation canals across the country. He noted that India is producing more than 100,000 megawatts of solar energy and suggested Nepal could increase production by using its hilly and mountainous areas.

He informed delegates that construction of a transmission line is underway to export 15,000 megawatts of electricity to India.

Addressing the programme, Vice‑Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha, said problems have surfaced in power production after streams started drying up owing to the impacts of climate change, and that the 16th five‑year plan gives priority to renewable energy.

Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Chiranjeewee Chataut, said the government is working to make the country fully electrified within the coming two years.

Executive Director of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) Nava Raj Dhakal lauded the role played by the association in extending access to power to every corner of the country. Likewise, Senior Vice President of the Federation of the Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Anjan Shrestha praised the AEPC for making solar energy production more dignified and systematic.

The 25th AGM was scheduled to elect new leadership.

(With input from RSS)