From sports, a leap into the energy sector
Summary
Shrestha has taken charge as Nepal's Minister for Energy, aiming to address stalled PPAs, expand hydropower projects, and navigate private sector participation in electricity trading to meet ambitious energy targets.
Key Points
- Shrestha, former sports minister, becomes Nepal's Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.
- He faces challenges like reopening PPAs and advancing large hydropower projects including Budhigandaki Hydropower Project.
- Shrestha must decide on liberalising electricity trading, currently monopolised by Nepal Electricity Authority.
- The government targets 30,000 megawatts of electricity capacity and increased per capita consumption by 2035.
- Securing funding and market access for massive reservoir and semi-reservoir projects remains a major hurdle.
