Kathmandu, Jan 6 - Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kul Man Ghising has emphasized the need to place solar energy at the forefront of Nepal’s future energy strategy, citing rising domestic demand, climate risks to hydropower, and the potential to reduce electricity imports.
Addressing the 25th Annual General Meeting of the Solar Electric Manufacturers Association Nepal (SEMAN) in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Minister Ghising stated that solar energy usage is steadily increasing across the country and should be developed alongside hydropower to ensure energy security.
“Solar energy is now being connected to the national grid. If we expand domestic solar production, Nepal can significantly reduce its dependence on imported electricity,” he said.
The Energy Minister informed that the government is studying the feasibility of installing solar panels over irrigation canals in various parts of the country—a model already implemented in other countries to save land and reduce water evaporation. He also noted that Nepal could harness solar energy by utilizing hilly and mountainous terrain, pointing out that India currently produces over 100,000 megawatts of solar power.
Minister Ghising further shared that transmission line construction is underway to export up to 15,000 megawatts of electricity to India, highlighting Nepal’s long-term vision of becoming a regional energy supplier.
Speaking at the same event, Vice-Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha, warned that climate change is increasingly affecting hydropower generation, as rivers and streams dry up during certain seasons. He said the government’s 16th Five-Year Plan has prioritized renewable energy diversification, including solar, to address these emerging challenges.
Similarly, Energy Ministry Secretary Chiranjivi Chataut stated that the government is working with the goal of achieving full national electrification within the next two years, ensuring access to reliable energy in both urban and remote areas.
Executive Director of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), Nabaraj Dhakal, acknowledged the role of SEMAN in expanding energy access nationwide, particularly through collaboration with AEPC in promoting solar solutions in underserved regions.
Meanwhile, Senior Vice-President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Anjan Kumar Shrestha, praised the Association’s efforts in making solar energy production more organized, credible, and commercially viable in Nepal.
The AGM concluded with discussions on sectoral challenges and opportunities, and the Association is set to elect new leadership to guide its future direction.
