Government focusing on energy security, capacity building: Minister Basnet

KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet has stated that the government aims to generate 28,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity over the next 12 years, considering the projected demand for power, energy security, and other related issues.

The Energy Development Framework and Action Plan have been implemented to enhance capacity building for transmission and distribution lines. Minister Basnet made this statement in response to questions from lawmakers during Monday's meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR).

Minister Basnet also reported that 463MW of power has been added to the national system in the current fiscal year, and approximately 98% of the population in the country now has access to electricity. An additional 900MW of electricity is expected to be integrated into the national grid during the upcoming fiscal year.

He further mentioned that projects such as Rasuwagadhi, Upper Shenzen, Middle Bhotekoshi, and others are anticipated to begin power production in the coming fiscal year.

The domestically produced power will be sufficient to meet domestic demand even during dry seasons after the next year, with surplus power available for export. This surplus will contribute to reducing the country's trade deficit, according to the Energy Minister.

Additionally, Minister Basnet highlighted the government's focus on transitioning from fossil-fuelled vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).

Minister Basnet reiterated that final preparations are underway for exporting 40MW of electricity to Bangladesh.

Furthermore, internal and cross-border transmission lines are being constructed to ensure a reliable power supply. The development of reservoir-based hydropower projects, including West Seti, Seti River-6, and Lower Arun, has progressed according to project development agreements.

Minister Basnet assured lawmakers of advancing the Marsyangdi Hydropower Project, confirming that the budget and modality for the project have been finalised.