AEPC Expands Renewable Energy Access to 3.7 Million Remote Households

Kathmandu: The Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) has benefitted more than 3.7 million remote households through increasing access to renewable energy sources in the past three decades.

Speaking at a program organized to mark the 30th anniversary of the AEPC on Wednesday, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha underlined the role of the center in increasing access to the non-grid energy supply mainly to the people in remote area. He stressed on linking renewable energy development to commercial activities and the national economy.

Minister Shrestha also  called for greater private sector investment in renewable energy, saying the sector should be developed as a source of employment and increased production rather than being limited to subsidies and individual projects. "There is a need to connect renewable energy sources such as solar power, micro-hydropower, biogas and biomass projects with agriculture, industry and tourism," said Shrestha, calling for greater attention to the efficient use of generated energy and energy efficiency, alongside increasing production.

Established on November 3, 1996, AEPC is a government institution aimed with the objective of developing and promoting renewable/alternative energy technologies in Nepal. It keeps mission to make renewable energy and energy efficiency mainstream resource through the energy accessibility, knowledge and adaptability contributing towards improved living conditions of people of Nepal and combating climate change globally.

Minister Shrestha urged the AEPC to play an active role in mobilizing international climate finance, promoting carbon trading and expanding private investment.

He further stressed the need to re-establish the country’s knowledge, skills and technologies in renewable energy in international markets through stronger partnerships with development partners and greater private sector participation.