. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising has said that works are underway to ensure that electricity produced in the country is consumed by the country, keeping demand-side reforms in priority.

Addressing a program organized on the occasion of 29th anniversary of Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) in the capital on Tuesday, Minister Ghising said that the government has encouraged the use of electric vehicles to increase electricity consumption.

“Currently, we are mainly exporting surplus electricity to India and Bangladesh, but our priority is to increase the consumption of electricity within the country,” he said, adding, “We can increase the demand for electricity by expanding charging infrastructure, replacing wood and gas used for cooking with electric stove.” “We have forwarded works to increase energy efficiency, energy transformation and internal demand for electricity. ’

Minister Ghising also said that the government was ready to sign Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to encourage private investment in wind power.

Thanking various donor agencies for their support for energy transition in Nepal, Minister Ghising said that the scope of work of Alternative Energy Promotion Center would be expanded.

Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Chiranjivi Chataut said the centre has made a huge contribution to clean energy and electrification in remote areas.

German Ambassador to Nepal Udo Eugen Volz said the government was ready to support Nepal in the areas of sustainable energy development, improvement in livelihood and conversion of low carbon emission energy among others. Germany has been providing technical and financial support to Nepal in the energy sector.