The fourth International Conference on Renewable Energy for Economic and Sustainable Development will be taking place in the Capital from October 29.

The conference is being jointly organised by the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation and the Centre for Energy Studies (CES), Institute of Engineering (IoE), Tribhuvan University from October 29 to 31.

According to Shree Raj Shakya, director at IoE, Pulchowk Campus, 21 countries are expected to participate in the conference. “We have completed the preparatory works and the working papers that will be presented during the conference will soon be finalised,” he informed.

As per Shakya, topics that will be discussed at the conference also have been finalised. The major areas of focus during the event will be on energy sources and systems like solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectricity energy, geothermal energy, biomass conversion, bio-fuel, hydrogen and fuel cells, energy recycling, wave energy and tidal energy.

Moreover, event will also focus on new trends and technologies for renewable energy technologies (RETs), policies and strategies for RETs, power electronic devices and systems for RETs, smart grid technologies and application, and hybrid renewable energy system.

Likewise, focus will also be laid on new approaches in lighting, energy storage, public awareness and education for RETs, new equipment, energy management system, environmental issues of RETs, demand and economic growth of RETs, market and performance analysis, safety and security of RETs and future challenges for RETs.

“The focus of the conference is also to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through the promotion of renewable energy. The papers that will be presented at the event will all be research based,” said Amrit Nakarmi, professor at IoE, Pulchowk Campus.

The conference is expected to be helpful in seeking new areas for cooperation, and providing a platform for the exchange of international knowledge, experiences and information related to the field of renewable energy. Emphasis will also be laid on promoting renewable energy in rural areas.