Pokhara, August 6, 2025
In a significant step towards building a greener and more energy-resilient future, Pokhara Metropolitan City has officially launched its first Municipal Energy Plan (MEP), a five-year roadmap aimed at expanding clean energy access, improving efficiency, and reducing dependency on imported fuels.
The plan, unveiled on Tuesday, is estimated to cost NPR 1.33 billion and is expected to be a milestone in the city's journey towards sustainable urban development. It focuses on promoting renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency in households and industries, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through policy initiatives and public awareness.
Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, who led the unveiling ceremony, said the plan reflects the metropolitan city’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy self-reliance. “This initiative will be instrumental in transforming Pokhara—the tourism capital of Nepal—into a green and energy-friendly city,” he stated, emphasizing the need for effective coordination among all three tiers of government for successful implementation.
Developed with technical support from the German development agency GIZ under its "RIP–Green" program, the energy plan is the result of a nine-phase participatory process involving stakeholder consultations and expert input. It was formally approved by the city council in Falgun 2081 (March 2025).
Senior representatives from the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), including Deputy Executive Director Dr. Narayan Prasad Adhikari, and GIZ Nepal’s Senior Energy Specialist Dr. Narayan Prasad Chaulagai, were present at the launch event and endorsed the plan's vision for low-carbon urban growth.
The plan prioritizes decentralized and locally sourced renewable energy systems to replace traditional biomass and fossil fuel use, especially in households. It also outlines strategies to improve energy efficiency in commercial and industrial sectors, aligning with Nepal’s national climate goals.
Public education campaigns and policy reforms are integral components of the initiative, aiming to foster broader community participation in the city’s transition to clean energy.
Given Pokhara's status as one of Nepal’s largest metropolitan areas—both in geographic size and with a population exceeding 550,000—stakeholders believe the plan sets an important precedent for other urban centers in the country.
The MEP is set to be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, AEPC, and other national and international partners committed to Nepal’s clean energy transition
