Kathmandu. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka has said that the participation of the private sector in the power trade would be ensured.

Receiving the report submitted by the Power Trade Study and Suggestion Committee formed under the coordination of former Secretary Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, Minister Khadka pointed out the need to give equal opportunity to not only the government but also the private sector in internal and inter-country electricity trade to utilize Nepal’s hydropower potential.

The participation of the private sector in both electricity export and import processes will increase competition, efficiency and investment. Minister Khadka said that this would go a long way in achieving the target of 28,500 MW generation set by Nepal, adding that Nepal could move forward as a power supplier nation not only as a consumer but also at the regional level.

The committee has suggested to operate the work through a separate company in internal and inter-country trade, amend the necessary policies and prevailing laws, strengthen the transmission infrastructure and ensure regional market access to connect the power trade with a systematic and long-term strategy. The report also includes a detailed study of measures to promote private sector investment, cooperation with friendly countries, and the possibilities of bilateral, trilateral and multilateral business models.

Representatives of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Department of Power Development, Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nepal Electricity Authority, experts and independent Energy Producers Association Nepal (AAB) prepared the report and submitted it to Minister Khadka.

Describing the collaboration between the government and the private sector as a historic step, energy experts have expressed hope that it will strengthen Nepal’s long-term energy strategy, create a competitive environment and contribute greatly to strengthening the national economy.