MP Shriram Neupane Calls for 'Energy Decade' to Boost Electricity Production

Kathmandu. MP E. Shriram Neupane has stated that it is necessary to move forward by declaring an 'Energy Decade' to achieve the national resolve of generating 30,000 megawatts of electricity within the next 10 years. Speaking at a program organized by the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), he mentioned that with the current powerful government and strong political will, it is possible to make Nepal energy self-sufficient within 5 years and establish it as a major energy exporting nation within 10 years. MP Neupane informed that the government is working to declare the next decade as 'Energy Development Decade' and implement a 'sunset law' for 10 years. He emphasized the need to change the current situation where approximately 300 billion rupees are spent annually on petroleum imports, given that studies have shown the potential to generate up to 150,000 megawatts of green energy from water, sun, and wind in Nepal. He stated that Nepal should now be built by an energy revolution, not by speeches, and that every Nepali's home should have an electric kitchen, fields should have electric irrigation, and cities should be EV-friendly. Neupane said that the energy sector should be kept free from administrative hassle and political interference, and an environment of open competition should be provided to the private sector. He demanded that the monopoly of the Nepal Electricity Authority should be ended, moving towards a competitive market, and banks, NRNs, and various funds should be encouraged for investment. He also demanded that transmission line construction be given national priority and a one-door system be implemented. MP Neupane said, 'Our water is flowing, our youth are going abroad, and we are spending billions on petroleum imports; this situation must change now. Nepal should no longer be a country that asks for electricity, but a country that sells electricity.'