With the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2045, Nepal is placing strong emphasis on the development and expansion of clean energy technologies. Speakers at a discussion program titled “Nepal’s Clean Energy Future: Achievements and Opportunities of the Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund,” organized by the German Development Agency (GIZ) in Kathmandu on Tuesday, said that energy transformation through market-led solutions is essential, alongside expanded access to clean energy.

Addressing the program, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Chiranjivi Chataut, said the Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund has played a crucial role in advancing Nepal’s clean energy future. He noted that the fund has encouraged private sector investment in the energy sector, promoted the adoption of innovative technologies, and helped expand access to clean energy in rural and remote areas.

Executive Director of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), Nawaraj Dhakal, said that initiatives such as the Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund have made significant contributions to climate change mitigation, job creation, and overall economic development.

GIZ Program Manager Dr. Frank Fetcher reaffirmed GIZ’s commitment to continued collaboration with Nepal and to providing further support for clean energy promotion. He said that the Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund has provided financial and technical assistance to small- and medium-scale energy projects, helping to foster local entrepreneurship, expand energy access, and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speakers at the event - including Dr. Narayan Prasad Adhikari, Deputy Director of AEPC; Shubhalakshmi Shrestha; Benjamin Seidel of the German Embassy; Rajiv Mangal Joshi of Rastriya Banijya Bank; Sam Fell of the British Embassy in Nepal; and energy expert Suman Dhakal - shared their perspectives on the prospects for clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly energy development, achievements to date, and future opportunities.

The speakers emphasized that policy reforms, active private sector participation, and strong international partnerships are essential to increasing investment in clean energy. They also stressed the need to prioritize innovation, technology transfer, and local capacity development within the energy sector.

The program also featured presentations on experiences, lessons learned, and success stories from projects implemented under the Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund.

Jalasarokar