AEPC, UNDP sign pact

KATHMANDU,July 21: Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Monday signed a US$ 5 million agreement to expand access to renewable energy in rural areas of Nepal.

The agreement was signed under the government´s National Rural Renewable Energy Program framework, according to a press statement.

According to the officials of Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE), expected result of the project includes support for formulation of innovative financial mechanisms to attract private investment in the renewable energy systems and productive energy uses. Likewise, the project is expected to support to develop 10 MW from mini and micro hydropower plants, 2.5 MW of solar PV systems and establishment of mini grids connecting Micro-Hydro Plants (MHPs) of 300 killowatts (kW).

“The government plans to provide clean cooking solution and electricity for basic lighting to every household by 2017," Krishna Chandra Paudel, secretary of MoSTE, said, adding, “I am confident that this project will contribute towards achieving our goals.

” Likewise, Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP´s deputy country director, said that it is crucial to continue the assistance from the UN and development partners so that the considerable progress AEPC has achieved until now are adequately supported, sustained and further consolidated in subsequent years.

Source: Republica