Renewable Energy Must Drive Jobs, Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth: Minister Shrestha

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Birajbhakta Shrestha has stressed that renewable energy should no longer remain limited to subsidy-based programs but should instead become a foundation for production, entrepreneurship, employment generation, and economic prosperity. Speaking at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Minister Shrestha emphasized the need to develop an energy-based economy by promoting not only large hydropower projects but also solar energy, micro-hydropower, biogas, and biomass. He revealed that the government is preparing to introduce the concept of LPG-free municipalities in the coming days. For this initiative, he directed the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre to prepare plans based on the energy potential, demand, consumption patterns, and future requirements of individual municipalities. The minister also urged the Centre to develop clear action plans to connect renewable energy with industries, agriculture, tourism, and local economic activities. He highlighted the importance of private-sector investment, innovative technologies, and local entrepreneurship in expanding the renewable energy sector. Referring to the growing risks of climate change, including floods, landslides, and other natural disasters, Shrestha said developing decentralized and distributed renewable energy systems alongside centralized energy infrastructure has become increasingly necessary. He also praised the Centre's coordination with the ministry, Nepal Electricity Authority, local governments, the private sector, and development partners in restoring essential energy services to households and public institutions affected by recent floods and landslides. Furthermore, Shrestha emphasized that energy security should not be measured solely by production capacity but also by diversification of energy sources and efficient utilization. He stressed the need to prevent energy wastage and increase energy efficiency in households and industries. The minister informed that the government has already registered the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill in the House of Representatives. He expressed confidence that the proposed legislation would strengthen the institutional capacity, accountability, technological expertise, and investment mobilization capacity of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre. He also highlighted Nepal's recognition as the first direct access entity to the Green Climate Fund, along with the Centre's expanding involvement in carbon trading and climate finance, as significant achievements. However, he noted that the Centre should not remain satisfied with its accomplishments over the past three decades and must focus on mobilizing international climate financing, attracting private investment, and developing climate-resilient infrastructure.