National Renewable and Policy Symposium
(NREPS) - 2023
GridVille Programme Kathmandu University and EnergizeNepal, in collaboration with Kathmandu University School of Law, ICIMOD, and CETRF, successfully organized the National Renewable Energy and Policy Symposium (NREPS) 2023 at Hotel Himalaya, Pulchowk Lalitpur on July 30, 2023.
The Symposium began with an opening address from Mr. Brijesh Adhikary, one of the Symposium Co-Chairs. Following his welcome, notable figures such as Chief Guest Mr. Shakti Bahadur Basnet (Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation), distinguished guests Ms. Dina Upadhyay (Former State Minister), and Mr. Jan Erik Studsrød (Energy and Climate Counsellor, Representative from the Norwegian Embassy) delivered their special remarks. The primary aims of the symposium included assessing the technological readiness of Nepal’s energy systems, deliberating on policies and frameworks that encourage energy and infrastructure development, and fostering networking and partnerships among stakeholders to advance Nepal’s energy transition and development.
During the symposium, various energy policies were a subject of discussion among experts in the field of energy, policymakers, and stakeholders from both the private and public sectors. These discussions also encompassed strategies for effectively executing the development of energy infrastructure and prospects of energy transition in Nepal.
The event featured four distinguished keynote speakers representing various energy sectors. Initially, Mr. Abid Hussain, the Interim Area Coordinator of ICIMOD, delivered a presentation titled “Renewable Energy in Nepal – Key Findings and Recommended Policy Actions.” Subsequently, Mr. Hitendra Dev Shakya, Former Managing Director of NEA, discussed the topic “Sustainable Distributed Generation and Grid Access to All-SUDIGGA revisited” Adding to the discourse, Ms. Lila Devi Gadtaula, Secretary of the Nepal Law Commission, provided insights into “ विद् युतसँग सम्बन्धित कानूनी र संस्थागत व्यिस्था.”
Furthermore, a panel discussion centered around the theme “Energy Policies and Infrastructure Development Enabling the Renewable Energy Transition for a Sustainable Future”. During this discourse, a diverse set of energy experts engaged in conversations and shared their insights on the matter. Panelists included Dipak Gyawali (Pragya, NAST), Ms. Shubha Laxmi Shakya (Assistant Director, AEPC), Mr. Kushal Gurung (CEO, Windpower Nepal Pvt. Ltd.), and Dr. Ashma Vaidya (Consultant, Ajummery Bikas Foundation). The Symposium ended with the closing remarks by Symposium Co-Chair Prof. Dr Rishikesh Wagle (Dean School of Law, Kathmandu University).
Around 140, participants from various energy sectors participated in the Symposium. Among which 40% representation of female participants, contributing to a well-rounded and diverse training session were witnessed.