- Energy Minister Khadka emphasized the need to accelerate the development of the energy sector by improving policies and regulations.

- The government has set a goal to expand electricity access across the country, which will play a vital role in prosperity and development.

- Representatives from various agencies have expressed the need for collaboration to improve the issuance of hydropower project permits and environmental assessments.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, stated that the time has come not just for speeches, but for delivering quick and effective results that meet the people’s expectations. Speaking on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the Department of Electricity Development, Minister Khadka remarked that energy is no longer just a means of providing light, but is now closely linked to the prosperity of the nation.

He stated that the government’s goal is to ensure electricity reaches every household across the country. “The need for energy is not something that can be postponed. Let’s not delay - let’s make the necessary decisions immediately and move forward at a rapid pace,” he said. Energy Minister Khadka also mentioned that policies and regulations will be reviewed to address issues related to land acquisition, transmission line expansion, and structural obstacles.

At the program, the department’s Deputy Director General, Gokarna Raj Pantha, provided information about the department’s activities and the status of permit issuance. He also mentioned that the department collected 4 billion rupees in revenue in the last fiscal year. “We are issuing permits under the Electricity Act, 2049, but the process has largely become about distributing permits,” he said. “Due to various challenges, projects have not been able to move into the construction phase. Without proper financial arrangements and power purchase agreements, project implementation has not been possible.”

At the program, retired employees Madhu Prasad Bhetwal (retired as Secretary), Arun Kumar Jha (retired as Deputy Director General), and Sarita Pradhan were honored. Similarly, promoters of 20 hydropower projects that were completed and connected to the national transmission line in the fiscal year 2024/025 were also recognized.

Senior Vice President of the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN), Mohan Dangi, urged the implementation of the energy roadmap action plan. He also emphasized the need to grant the Department full authority, including the issuance of permits for projects up to 100 megawatts and all environmental assessment reports.

Dangi also urged for the facilitation of the process to re-export equipment brought from abroad for a limited period for the construction of hydropower project

Ramprasad Dhital, Chairman of the Electricity Regulatory Commission, stated that a guideline has been prepared to involve third parties in electricity transmission. Irrigation Secretary Sarita Dawadi emphasized the need to involve the private sector not only in electricity generation but also in transmission and distribution.

Source: Kantipur