Use of clean energy emphasized to slash import of LPG

KATHMANDU: Energy experts have underscored the need of amplifying the use of clean energy for improving the living standards of the people. In order to reduce the increasing import of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and augment domestic products, electric stoves and other electrical devices used in kitchens should be incentivised, the experts emphasized. At a programme jointly organised by Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), Prakriti Resources Centre and World Wildlife Fund Nepal (WWF Nepal) on Tuesday, participants highlighted the need of increasing the use of clean energy for preparing foods. Nepal has been annually importing fuel amounting to Rs 2 billion, it was shared. On the occasion, Deputy Executive Director at Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Nawaraj Dhakal, said the use of electric stoves will be easy and accessible for all while highlighting the government's target to promote electric stoves as a primary source of cooking food by 2030. According to the official statistics, 87.1% population was reported to have prepared their meal using traditional sources of energy in 2009 while it has decreased to 22% in 2022. Almost 65% of Nepali citizens rely on traditional sources of energy such as firewood and dry manure fuel. In 2009, the use of alternative energy was 0.7% while it has increased to 3.0% now, Deputy Executive Director Dhakal informed. Experts argued that the use of electric stoves was far cheaper than the LPG. At the programme, CEO of People Energy and Environment Development Association (PEEDA) Biraj Gautam highlighted the role of mass media in replacing traditional sources of energy. With the assurance of power supply, consumers would drive their interest towards modern kitchen, he added. Modern stove will save time and improve human health, said Manjari Shrestha, an energy practitioner. She stressed the need for coordination among stakeholders to incentivise the use of electric stove as it reduces the burden of dishwashing and house cleaning. She opined that the number of electric stove users could not be increased until and unless changes were brought in the mindset that kitchen chores were the sole responsibilities of women. Presenting a working paper on the occasion, energy journalist Bhim Prasad Gautam stressed the need of expanding electric infrastructures to meet the government target of the use of electric stove in cent per cent households by 2028. It may be noted that the government has set a target to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2045. READ ALSO:

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