A half-day roundtable discussion among policy makers, experts, practitioners and key stakeholders on energy mix for energy security and sustainable economic development was held on 31 October 2021 at the Everest Hotel in Kathmandu on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC). The event was physically attended by approximately 200 participants, with a large number of participants also attending virtually via the online platform. The program was inaugurated by the Honorable Member of the National Planning Commission (NPC) and Vice Chair of the AEPC Board Prof. Dr. Surendra Labha Karna.
Welcoming the participants, the Deputy Executive Director of AEPC Mr. Nawa Raj Dhakal shed light on the need to reflect on achievements, prevailing policies, trends and challenges to address issues related to both national energy security and sustainable economic development given that Nepal is still highly dependent on biomass and imported fossil fuels for fulfilling its energy needs. There is an urgent need for concerted effort within the energy sector both in the context of federalism and Cabinet approval of the Long Term Strategy of net-zero emissions by 2050.
The key highlight of the program, the technical sessions, was designed to have key note remarks from relevant distinguished speakers as context setting leading to a panel discussion and Q&A session from the participants. Major take-away messages from the roundtable included:
- Although hydropower still remains the backbone of Nepal’s energy generation, promotion and development of non-hydro renewable energy systems primarily solar cannot be disregarded.
- Diversification of technology and improving resilience of electrical infrastructure is paramount for moving into the path towards energy security.
- Reliability of supply is the fundamental element for promoting wider application of electrical services domestically.
- Cross border electricity trade can open up huge avenues of opportunities for Nepal.
- Increased private sector participation, enhanced capacity of local governments, support from Development Partners and close stakeholder/inter-agency coordination is essential for advancement of integrated Nepali energy sector to achieve its ambitious national and international targets