Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka during the silver jubilee celebration of Solar Electric Manufacturers Association Nepal in Kathmandu on Tuesday. Photo: TRN

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka has praised the Solar Electric Manufacturers Association Nepal for its significant contribution in providing solar electricity to remote villages and settlements of the country where the government has not yet been able to provide electricity itself.

He made this remark while addressing the silver jubilee celebration of Solar Electric Manufacturers Association Nepal on Tuesday.

Minister Khadka said, "The association has played an important role to provide electricity through solar power where the government has not been able to extend electricity to every citizen's home. I would like to express my gratitude for the association's contribution by providing irrigation through solar systems where irrigation could not be extended by the government."

He added, "The need for electricity is increasing. The supply of electricity is also increasing, but there are complaints that the electricity is not supplied as per the demand. Now, it is time to work at a faster pace. The association's continued support and collaboration is indispensable in the 10-year sustainable energy goal taken by the government."

Minister Khadka said that the government is facilitating policy-level efforts to make private sector investment and partnerships for sustainable energy development more effective.

Stating that solar energy has become strategically important as a clean and reliable energy option, he said, "As we are moving forward in hydropower, solar energy is also an issue of equal importance. Keeping in mind the challenges of climate change, the future energy plan needs to be multipronged and focused on renewable sources."

He said that the government has prioritised issues such as reviewing the solar power purchase rate, expanding access to transmission lines, and banking arrangements to encourage investors in the solar energy sector.

He clarified, "We are generating clean energy, and the government is ready to take necessary initiatives at the diplomatic and international levels to compensate countries that are note emitting carbon."

President of Solar Electric Manufacturers Association Nepal Krishna Prasad Parajuli highlighted the contribution of the private sector in solar energy production and the need for collaboration with the government.

"The association has played an important role in policy dialogue, technology transfer, and project development in the past 25 years. Now, there is a need of collaboration, stability and an investment-friendly environment," he said.