Nawaraj Dhakal, Executive Director of the Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC), emphasized that the upcoming National Forum on Clean Energy in Action: Decarbonizing Nepal’s Economy, will prioritize practical steps towards decarbonization and underscore the importance of turning discussions into tangible actions.

Speaking at a press briefing about the conference scheduled for the International Day of Clean Energy tomorrow, Dhakal highlighted the workshop's focus on Nepal's extensive use of renewable energy and other key sectoral issues. He noted that AEPC's accomplishments in renewable energy and energy efficiency have significantly contributed to decarbonization efforts, and emphasized the urgency of passing the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill into law once the newly elected parliament convenes. Dhakal mentioned that AEPC has been hosting workshops to commemorate the International Day of Clean Energy since 2024, bringing together various stakeholders such as government officials, development partners, private sectors, and NGOs involved in the field.

He also highlighted the United Nations' annual observance of January 26 as the International Day of Clean Energy, aimed at promoting awareness and actions for a fair and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of all beings on Earth. Dhakal further stated that AEPC has been at the forefront of celebrating this day in Nepal, aligning with global initiatives through diverse programs.

He mentioned that the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), operating under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, is the primary national institution focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Dhakal stated that the Center has been instrumental in promoting inclusive socio-economic development by expanding renewable energy technologies and advocating for energy-efficient measures. This has led to increased access to clean energy, ensuring reliable and sustainable energy services while integrating energy services with economic activities.

He highlighted that AEPC is actively involved in developing carbon projects based on renewable energy technologies and serves as a Direct Access Entity (DAE) to the Green Climate Fund. Dhakal emphasized that Nepal has made significant strides in utilizing renewable and clean energy, particularly in clean cooking practices, including the adoption of electric cooking methods.

Under the leadership of various partner organizations in the energy sector, the Center is hosting the "National Forum on Clean Energy in Action: Decarbonizing Nepal’s Economy" on January 27, 2026.

This forum aims to support clean energy and climate change objectives, building on the success of last year's conference, "Clean Energy Transition for a Resilient and Low-Carbon Economy." The focus of this year's event is on practical steps towards decarbonization, with an emphasis on transitioning from discussions to tangible actions.

The forum will convene national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations, provincial and local governments, research and academic institutions, development partners, investors, practitioners, the private sector, media, civil society, and sectoral experts to participate in strategic discussions and interactions aimed at accelerating the development of a green economy through the implementation of clean energy initiatives.

"The Centre has played a crucial role in Nepal's low-carbon development, socio-economic progress, and green economy development through clean energy. To bolster the legal framework for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the transition to clean energy, the Government of Nepal has progressed the 'Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill,'" stated Dhakal.

Inaugural Program

Anil Kumar Sinha, Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, will inaugurate the program. The one-day conference will be divided into an inaugural session and technical sessions.

The inaugural program will feature a presentation on advancing Nepal's Green Economy through Clean Energy implementation, the unveiling of a publication highlighting the accomplishments of the Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund, a presentation by the Executive Director of AEPC, and remarks from representatives of the government of Nepal, development partners, and the private sector.

The second phase will comprise three technical sessions focusing on Decarbonization Initiatives through Clean Energy and Carbon Markets, Decarbonization through Energy Efficiency, and financing for Decarbonization in Clean Energy and E-Mobility.

Through expert presentations and discussions, the conference aims to identify opportunities and challenges in economic decarbonization, highlight the benefits of blended financing, and foster increased investment in the clean energy sector while enhancing collaboration among development partners.

The conference's key objectives include discussing national priorities for decarbonization, exploring investment mechanisms, identifying decarbonization opportunities through carbon markets, and strengthening coordination and partnerships among stakeholders

The main topics of the conference are clean energy and e-mobility, energy efficiency and decarbonization, and financial investment and carbon markets.

Attendees highlighted the importance of spreading awareness about AEPC's accomplishments, placing more emphasis on the sustainability of programs and projects, and enhancing technology quality and post-installation maintenance.

Presentation on Nepal’s Context

Dr. Mukesh Ghimire, the Director, presented on the Status of Energy Sector Decarbonization and the Role of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre during the event.

Attended by media representatives and private-sector organizations involved in renewable energy attended the presentation. Dr. Ghimire in his broader presentation highlighted Nepal’s overall energy scenario focusing on renewable energy.

He said that the AEPC has made significant progress in the implementation of various renewable energy projects since its establishment.

As of the second week of January 2025/2026 fiscal year, numerous achievements have been made by the AEPC. Those include:

- Installed 40,717 kW of micro and small hydropower systems

- Improved 11,104 water mills

- Distributed 1,000,789 household solar home systems

- Implemented 4,540 institutional solar PV systems

- Established 3,593 kWp solar mini-grids and solar-wind hybrid mini-grids

- Installed 36,429 kWp solar rooftop systems

- Implemented 2,464 solar dryers and cookers

- Installed 4,452 solar drinking water and irrigation pumps

- Distributed 156,531 metallic improved cookstoves

- Implemented 33 institutional gasifiers

- Distributed 146,598 electric cookstoves

- Installed 456,766 household biogas plants

- Distributed 1,423,242 improved mud cookstoves

- Implemented 378 institutional, urban, and commercial biogas plants

- Implemented 1,766 productive energy-use applications

- Installed 3,309 solar street lights

- Installed 4,865 solar energy systems in monasteries, temples, and homestays

Overall, AEPC has provided clean renewable energy services to approximately 3.7 million households in Nepal, accounting for about 6 percent of total electricity access. The organization has focused on expanding electricity access and promoting clean cooking energy technologies. The renewable energy sector in Nepal has seen significant growth, with over 500 companies operating in the sector and creating over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Since 2005, AEPC has been actively engaged in carbon trading activities related to renewable energy projects. Through the Clean Development Mechanism, eight projects have collectively produced 6.68 million metric tons of certified emission reductions (CERs), resulting in earnings of around USD 36.011 million from carbon trading. Further revenue is anticipated from ongoing carbon projects in the future.

On a global scale, the energy sector contributes to approximately 76 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (2023) emphasizes the necessity for more effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit global temperature increase within the range of 1.5°C to 2°C.

Global greenhouse gas emissions surged by 12 percent in 2019 compared to 2010. Achieving net-zero carbon or net-zero greenhouse gas emissions demands highly efficient emission reduction strategies across all sectors. Therefore, urgent action is required to accelerate and intensify greenhouse gas mitigation efforts to prevent global temperature increase beyond dangerous levels.

Decarbonization in the energy sector involves reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from energy production, distribution, and consumption. There are three main strategies for decarbonizing the energy sector:

1. Fuel switching

2. Enhancing the national grid system

3. Improving energy efficiency

Fuel switching entails replacing traditional fossil fuel technologies with clean energy systems in sectors such as households, transportation, industry, and agriculture.

Enhancing the national grid involves making the electricity system greenhouse gas-free by improving balancing, reducing imports, ensuring reliable power supply, and upgrading infrastructure to ensure electricity comes from zero-carbon sources like solar and wind.

Moderated by Parbata Bhatta, deputy director and head of Information Division of AEPC, Dr. Ghimire also said energy efficiency focuses on reducing energy consumption through the use of efficient appliances, grids, and machinery.

Nepal has made decarbonization a priority in its national and international commitments, including the Third NDC, Sustainable Development Goals, Long-Term Strategy for Net-Zero Emissions, Sixteenth Plan, Energy Development Roadmap and Action Plan (2081), and other policy documents.