Banepa: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has said that the government has given priority to the development of hydropower as it can make the country's economy vibrant.

Addressing the 21st annual general meeting of the Solar Electric Manufacturers’ Association Nepal in Banepa, Kavre on Thursday, she said the government has taken steps to promote renewable energy.

Minister Bhusal said that preparation has also been made to provide free electricity to the farmers for irrigation.

She said that if the production of food grains could be increased by providing free electricity to the farmers, it would be possible to save Rs. 200 billion for the import of food grains and also support to minimise the trade deficit.

Minister Bhusal said that the government has been preparing to forward the construction of semi-reservoir and reservoir projects in all provinces through the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

She said that power purchase agreement (PPA) of such projects has been given priority as it would significantly contribute to the quality and energy security.

Stating that solar energy technology is an important and widely used renewable energy technology in Nepal, the government is currently promoting domestic solar systems, institutional solar systems and solar thermal systems such as solar stoves and solar driers, she said.

She said that Nepal should also work for the promotion of renewable energy to achieve the goal of zero carbon emissions by 2045 presented at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-26) in the United States.

She said that the government has adopted the policy of mixed energy system from the point of view of energy security, adding that 10 per cent alternative energy would be included in the policy.

She said that the government and concerned authority has given special priority to the monitoring and necessary coordination for speedy completion of the transmission line structure under construction.

By Our Correspondent