GIZ Nepal, a German development agency working in Nepal, has mobilized a total investment of 2.13 million euros in collaboration with the state-owned Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) in renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects across Nepal in the past three years.

The GIZ Nepal and the AEPC mobilized the aforementioned funds under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme –Green Recovery and Empowerment with Energy in Nepal (REEEP-GREEN). The funds include private-sector investment at a ratio of 1:3.74 in the renewable energy projects in Nepal. REEEP-GREEN is a joint initiative financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

GIZ Nepal claims that the projects have enabled around 60,000 people to access affordable renewable energy technologies and has supported private industries in implementing energy-efficiency measures. This initiative is projected to save over 62,008 MWh annually within just two years, GIZ Nepal said in a statement. The programs focused on promoting the adoption of induction cookstoves, biogas systems, solar water pumps, micro-hydropower rehabilitation and grid interconnection, e-rickshaws, and other energy-efficient solutions.

The financial resources mobilized under the name ‘Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund (SECF)’ supported the deployment of 14 electric vehicle (EV) charging station projects across 19 locations, with individual system sizes ranging from 140 kW to 560 kW, significantly contributing to the expansion of Nepal’s EV charging infrastructure and the decarbonization of the transport sector.

The role of energy efficiency has been identified as the most cost-effective pathway to reduce emissions, enhance energy security, and support Nepal’s long-term low-carbon development goals, the statement added. The SECF, in this regard, has been contributing in promotion of market-based clean energy solutions, and advanced inclusive energy access.

Speaking at a program organized by GIZ Nepal on Friday, the participants underlined that the fund has played a pivotal role in catalyzing investment, transforming energy service delivery, fostering innovation, strengthening public-private partnerships, and contributing to national priorities including NDC 3.0, the Energy Development Roadmap 2081, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).