ABU DHABI, Jan 12: Nepal actively participated in the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), held under the theme “Powering Humanity: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity.” The event brought together over 1,500 delegates from 171 countries, featuring virtual addresses by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Dominican Republic Energy Minister Joel Santos, and UNGA President Annalena Baerbock. IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera and UAE Minister of Climate Change Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak addressed participants in person, the Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi said.
The Assembly focused on critical topics such as regional energy transition, grid strengthening, long-term energy planning, AI and digital innovation, sustainable aviation fuels, renewable energy in agriculture, finance mechanisms, and green industrialization, aiming to accelerate the global energy transformation and promote inclusive and sustainable prosperity.
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Nepal’s delegation, led by Ambassador Tej Bahadur Chhetri, included AEPC Executive Director Nawa Raj Dhakal and other embassy officials. Dhakal highlighted Nepal’s ambitious energy roadmap, targeting 28,500 MW electricity capacity, 1,500 kWh per capita consumption, and 15,000 MW electricity export by 2035. He emphasized that international financial support is vital to achieve these goals and meet Nepal’s NDC targets, with a projected cost of USD 7.374 billion, 85% of which is expected from international climate finance.
Ahead of the Assembly, during the Pre-Assembly on Jan 10, Dhakal participated in sessions on “Skilling for Energy Transition” and “Mobilizing Finance for Clean Cooking.” He stressed the importance of education, technical training, and skill development at all levels, from schools to universities. He also presented Nepal’s clean cooking initiatives, requesting technical and financial support for awareness, quality assurance, private sector engagement, and low-interest consumer financing. Dhakal further met with IRENA Deputy Director-General Ms. Gauri Singh to advocate for the prompt implementation of approved projects in Nepal.
