Urja Khabar
President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that the contribution of hydropower sector to the economy should be increased by making power generation, consumption and export management effective.
"Our priority is to fulfil the national resolution of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepal' by increasing the contribution of the energy sector in the economy by making power generation, consumption and export management effective," she said while inaugurating Himalayan Hydro Expo 2022 at Bhrikutimandap on Saturday.
Stating that Nepal has the capacity to export surplus energy by increasing power generation, she said that it was a must to increase power generation by maximum utilisation of available water resources.
"We got rid of load shedding only a few years ago with imported electricity. The long-term solution is to increase generation inside the country," she said.
A large number of people are still unable to get electricity, she said, adding that even the industries could not get electricity as per their demand.
On the occasion, President Bhandari said that the construction of transmission lines for electricity trade has also started in the neighbouring countries and expressed confidence that there would be a competitive environment for investment in the development of this sector in the country.
She said, "It is satisfying that energy entrepreneurs are becoming organised and institutionalised in the face of many structural challenges in the field of hydropower generation and trade. We also have the capacity to export electricity through internal consumption."
She has lauded the role played by the private sector in the development and expansion of Nepal's energy sector.
Appreciating the role of the private sector in the development and expansion of Nepal's energy sector, she expressed confidence that the private sector would play an even more important role in the development of energy in the days to come.
President Bhandari also urged the private sector to intensify the campaign to make villages bright by investing in small and medium hydropower projects as well.
Presenting the fact that the declining amount of snow in the mountains due to climate change is a matter of concern, she drew the attention of all to emphasise on climate adaptation and promotion of greenery.
Minister for Forests and Environment Ramsahay Prasad Yadav said that his ministry had fulfilled its role for the development and expansion of Nepal's energy sector and has provided all possible assistance.
He also said that he was ready for the legal, policy and structural reforms to make the country self-reliant in energy sector.
Vice President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Dinesh Shrestha, Senior Vice President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce Kamalesh Agrawal and Vice President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries Krishna Prasad Adhikari stressed the need of private sector friendly policies and acts for the significant progress in hydropower sector.
"Goods produced inside the country can be made cheaper and competitive through the use of electricity. So, the government should treat it separately," they said.
President of Independent Power Producers' Association (IPPA) Krishna Prasad Acharya said that the expo was organised with the aim of exploring new opportunities, using technology and attracting investment for the development of the country's energy sector.
"The present need is to increase domestic consumption and export of power as many hydropower projects are under construction," he said.
A grand electric vehicle rally was also organised before the inauguration of the expo.
It was informed on the occasion that national and international experts are scheduled to hold discussions on various topics in different sessions in three days at the largest hydro expo in the country.
According to the organier, the three-day expo will feature an exhibition of the latest technologies in the hydropower sector and debates and discussions on all issues related to it.
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