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The process to revive the long-shuttered Waste-to-Energy (power generation from waste) project at Teku in Kathmandu has officially moved forward. Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to restore the project as a model initiative and ensure its sustainable operation.

Recently, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol held a meeting to discuss bringing the project back into operation within the current fiscal year. They also discussed the effective management and maintenance of Kathmandu’s street lighting system, the expansion of solar street lights, and heritage-friendly electrification.

Following the discussions, the MoU was signed under the coordination of AEPC Board Member Ankita Shah. AEPC stated that it will further collaborate with Kathmandu Metropolitan City on projects related to solar street light expansion, heritage-compatible electrification, and waste-to-energy development.

Under the MoU, the responsibilities of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and AEPC have been clearly defined for the reconstruction, operation, transfer, and long-term management of the project. The project is targeted to resume operations within the next two months.

The project, originally built with approximately NPR 18 million in financial assistance from the European Union, was shut down after operating for a limited period. Funding required for its restoration will now be arranged through the Mini Grid Energy Access Programme, operated by AEPC with support from the World Bank.

According to AEPC, the programme has already implemented waste-to-energy projects in seven municipalities and has supported more than 20 large-scale commercial biogas projects.

AEPC also stated that it has completed feasibility studies on waste-to-energy potential in municipalities across Nepal. In addition, it is preparing to submit a USD 48 million project proposal to the Green Climate Fund, with the proposal currently undergoing approval procedures at the Ministry of Finance.

Furthermore, the development of waste-to-energy projects linked to the carbon market under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement is also moving forward. AEPC said it has already invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for small, medium, and large biogas projects in institutional, community, and commercial sectors.

With the management of biodegradable urban waste remaining a major challenge, the revival of the Teku Waste-to-Energy Project is expected to significantly improve waste management while contributing to the promotion of a circular economy through the production of biogas and organic fertilizer.

Jalasarokar