We realize that many Nepalese still do not have access to green energy and we must continue to expand the grid as well as adopt off grid technologies to make electricity available to all people of the country. We also know that many industrial demands are ready to be created if we can expand transmission and distribution lines and ensure a stable power supply. We all should understand that the use of generated electricity in our own domestic market is our key priority as we aspire to be economically prosperous. Until we build enough infrastructures to utilize the generated electricity internally, we need to export it to protect the huge investments already incurred in the generation side. It is of equal importance, for economic reason, to engage ourselves in the cross border power trade in view of utilizing cheap and diverse resources existing in the region and sub-region.

Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman
Welcome to the Power Summit 2023

The government of Nepal takes great pride in announcing to the world that Nepal today generates more power than we consume though seasonally. Due to accelerated pace of development of hydropower projects both from IPPs and state utilities, we anticipate to be a net exporter of electricity by 2025 without any need to import even in the dry season. We are therefore gathered in Kathmandu to share and learn from experiences from Nepal and abroad on the best strategy to “Broaden the markets for our green energy.”

We realize that many Nepalese still do not have access to green energy and we must continue to expand the grid as well as adopt off grid technologies to make electricity available to all people of the country. We also know that many industrial demands are ready to be created if we can expand transmission and distribution lines and ensure a stable power supply. We all should understand that the use of generated electricity in our own domestic market is our key priority as we aspire to be economically prosperous. Until we build enough infrastructures to utilize the generated electricity internally, we need to export it to protect the huge investments already incurred in the generation side. It is of equal importance, for economic reason, to engage ourselves in the cross border power trade in view of utilizing cheap and diverse resources existing in the region and sub-region.

While export of our surplus energy from Nepal needs to be on the table, I wish to highlight four sectors that can consume electricity heavily and increase our per capita consumption. This will also mitigate our dependency on imported fossil fuels and huge trade deficit.

The first is agriculture. While over 65 percent of Nepalese are engaged in agriculture, it contributes less than a quarter of our GDP and has a huge potential for growth. This growth potential should be powered with green energy.

The second is industries that still rely on diesel and coal as well as biomass that pollute our environment. The Government of Nepal will work to ensure that industries across Nepal have access to green energy priced at competitive rates.

The third sector is cooking. If we can get all Nepalis to cook with green energy, it will contribute to protecting our forests, and also greatly reduce our dependence on imported LPG.

The fourth and most critical area is transportation. The import of vehicles may continue but we can make a transition to electric modes of transport so that our import of fossil fuels declines and this contributes to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

I understand all these issues will be discussed during the power summit.

Taking advantage of this power summit 2023, I would like to invite IPPAN to join hands with the Government and work together to come up with a clear demand development policy that can help broaden the market for Nepal’s green energy.

Following the historical political changes that have taken place in Nepal, the aspirations to see large scale economic development has also risen among the people of Nepal.

The government of Nepal recognizes the energy sector as the one that can lead us to developing a strong base for prosperity. Green energy will be both a means and also a product that will enable Nepal to make the transition to a strong economy.

Nepal has been at the forefront in its efforts to conserve our rich biodiversity heritage and is a signatory to all treaties related to the global response to climate change. In Nepal we have a very clear opportunity to attain our goal of becoming net zero by 2045. Given that we are endowed with enormous hydro and solar power potential, we can not only fulfill our international commitment of transition to clean energy but also can support our neighbouring countries to meet their emission reduction targets by exporting our electricity.

On behalf of the government of Nepal I once again welcome you to the Power Summit 2023 organized jointly by the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal and the Government of Nepal.

Thank you!

(Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister Speech on Power summit Power Summit 18 April, 2023, Bouddha, Kathmandu)