Kathmandu: As the world marks the International Day of Clean Energy, tangible impacts of renewable energy investments are being witnessed in Nepal’s Jumla region through the Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-food Systems (RERAS) project, which integrates climate-smart agriculture, food security, and clean energy solutions to strengthen community resilience.
Under the project, schools in Jumla are now able to prepare nutritious meals using clean energy, contributing to improved student attendance, motivation, and learning outcomes, as reported by parents and teachers. Expanded access to reliable energy has also stimulated local economic activity, with nearly 600 shops established, generating new employment opportunities and sources of income.
The project has further enhanced agricultural productivity, enabling farmers to increase harvests through improved energy access for irrigation, processing, and storage. These outcomes demonstrate how clean energy can deliver wide-ranging social and economic benefits across entire communities.
Norway reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nepal’s clean energy transition and climate resilience, expressing pride in partnering with the Government of Nepal and key institutions, including the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Nepal Electricity Authority, ADB Nepal, ICIMOD, and UNDP Nepal. The collaboration aims to advance renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen climate resilience in Nepal’s rural and agrifood systems.
