KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kulman Ghising has said that the government is seriously working toward electrifying the transport and cooking sectors.

Addressing the 29th anniversary ceremony of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre here today, Minister Ghising said that while some progress has been made, much still remains to be done. He added that the use of electric vehicles is increasing while more efforts are needed to replace cooking gas with induction stoves and other forms of clean energy in households.

According to the Minister, the systematic and effective use of solar power in the irrigation sector is among the government’s top priorities. He further added that the generation of wind energy is also a key area of focus and called on the private sector to participate actively in this initiative.

Minister Ghising also praised the Centre’s role in expanding energy access to remote and rural communities, saying that the potential of the alternative energy sector is vast and should be further explored.

Similarly, Ministry Secretary Chiranjibi Chataut highlighted the Centre’s contributions to mitigating the impacts of global warming, improving energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions. “The Centre’s role is crucial in achieving the government’s target of ensuring 100 percent electricity access for all citizens,” he said.

Centre Executive Director Nawa Raj Dhakal said that as a government entity, the Centre has been working in multiple areas, including solar energy, irrigation, drinking water, and improved cooking stoves. “The Centre has earned 36 million US dollars through eight projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions,” he said, adding that it has established partnerships with 136 local levels. Over the next five years, the Centre aims to reach one million households and has already generated 40,000 jobs.

On the occasion, Minister Ghising launched the Solar Temperature Guideline and Implementation Plan.