Energy Minister Khadka Addresses SCO Energy Ministerial Meeting in China

Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, addressed the Fifth Energy Ministerial Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states on June 26 in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.

Speaking at the meeting held under the theme “Integrated Innovation for Energy Future,” Minister Khadka emphasized the need to strengthen regional cooperation frameworks through innovative thinking, investment promotion, and enhanced energy trade among SCO member states, considering their shared population, resources, and potential.

He highlighted Nepal’s goal of generating 28,500 megawatts of electricity by 2035, with plans to export 15,000 megawatts. Nepal currently produces over 3,500 megawatts and is working to double this output in the near future.

Minister Khadka also said that Nepal has already begun electricity trade with neighboring countries and marked a milestone by exporting electricity to Bangladesh for the first time using the Indian grid, under a policy of trilateral energy cooperation.

Reaffirming Nepal’s commitment as a dialogue partner of the SCO, he expressed support for the development of the regional energy sector rooted in environmental balance, innovation, and sustainable development through mutual cooperation and collaboration.

Minister Khadka had departed for China on June 24 to participate in the meeting.