Climate change poses challenge to hydro power sector-Minister Pun

The 10th session of the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA) Assembly has kicked off at Abu Dhabi of United Arab Emirates (UAE) today.

Minister for Energy, Hydro Power and Irrigation Barsha Man Pun is attending the Assembly leading five-member Nepali delegation.

The Assembly brought together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Member delegations as well as heads of international and regional organisations, public and private entities and civil society representatives from 110 countries to contribute to the energy transformation dialogue.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Assembly, Minister Pun claimed that the climate change has posed new challenge to the hydro power sector. The minister also drew attention of the global leaders to face challenges stemming from climate change with perspective thoughts and plans.

Nepal has the potential for generating 42,000-Megawatt electricity from economic and technical perspectives, he said, informing that 1,326 MW electricity has been already transmitted through national grid and 2,500-MW electricity project and solar energy project with 600-MW are under construction.

Around 88 percent of Nepali people have access to electricity, he shared, adding the renewable energy (micro hydro power and solar) has contributed around 10 percent of total power generation in Nepal.

He called for substantial support from IRENA in renewable energy sector and also urged the international body to pay attention to boost additional investment and devise accessible and easy technology.

The minister expressed his confidence that the Assembly would prove to be instrumental in formulating effective and result-oriented plan and budget and wished for the successful completion of the conference.

The main objectives include raising awareness of the importance of intensifying global efforts to deploy renewable energy, and to discuss their impact on the energy transformation and sustainable development, connecting policy makers, experts and innovators worldwide to learn from each other, and share best practice and experiences on issues of common interest. The Assembly will also consider the conclusions of the Agency’s Council meetings and will provide guidance on specific administrative and institutional matters.

The Assembly will take place prior to Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the World Future Energy Summit, taking place from 13 to 16 January 2020, which will also feature a number of events hosted by IRENA.