Wider use of renewable energy in Himalayas stressed

KATHMANDU: Stakeholders urged wider use of renewable energy in Nepal’s Himalaya to curb climate change and improve conditions in homes, tourism facilities and the wider environment.

The appeal came at a programme in Kathmandu on Monday to launch the project 'Harnessing Renewable Energy for Clean Heating in the Himalaya (HEARTH)'. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is running the initiative with the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC)and implementing partner Practical Action, funded by the Clean Air Fund.

Speakers said high‑altitude communities rely heavily on firewood for cooking and heating throughout the year, which contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution and increases black carbon emissions in the Himalaya. They warned these emissions are linked to accelerating snowmelt in the region.

The project will be piloted in 65 households and five community organisations in Marpha village of Jomsom rural municipality, Mustang, where communities are already experiencing the direct effects of climate change.

ICIMOD Director General Pema Gyamtsho said clean renewable heating technologies are needed to reduce harm in the Himalaya, noting that indoor pollution affects human health and worsens climate change problems.

Nawa Raj Dhakal, Executive Director of AEPC, said implementation of the government‑approved thermal energy roadmap would improve environmental cleanliness, energy availability and living standards in Himalayan communities, and that the centre has been expanding clean energy access through various programmes.

Mohan Singh Lalchan, chairperson of Jomsom Rural Municipality, welcomed the pilot, saying he was pleased the project targets his area. Pooja Sharma, Country Director of Practical Action, opined that the project would help reduce negative impacts on health and the environment.

Representatives from government agencies, development partners and private sector organisations working in the renewable energy sector attended the event.