Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka has said that preparations are underway for the construction of the Rasuwagadhi-Chilime-Geelong-Kerung 220 kV transmission line to be connected to China.

He discussed the achievements of Nepal's energy sector at the fifth energy ministerial meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Ningpo, Chachang Province, China. He also discussed the electricity trade with India and Bangladesh and the construction of a transmission line with China. 

"India and Bangladesh have signed an agreement on electricity export," he said, "China is preparing to build a 220 kV Rasuwagadhi-Chilime-Geelong-Kerung transmission line." He said that India has a 400 kV Dhalkevar-Muzaffarpur transmission line in operation along with a 132 kV and lower voltage transmission line. He also said that there was a historic agreement to export electricity to Bangladesh through India. 

Discussing energy security as a basic need of modern life, he pointed out the need for regional cooperation, investment and policy innovation. "Energy is not an option for today, it is as necessary for life as oxygen," he said. According to Khadka, Nepal has doubled its electricity production in the last five years, reaching about 99 percent of the people and more than 95 percent of its electricity production is from renewable energy sources. 

For a safe, inclusive and green future of the energy sector, regional policy coordination, regional investment and partnership in transmission infrastructure, transparent pricing and development of the energy market through green finance system are indispensable. Nepal has set a target of producing 28,500 megawatts of electricity by 2035 and exporting 15,000 megawatts of that, Minister Khadka expressed his commitment to develop zero carbon emissions, clean energy for all, and electric transportation and industrial systems by 2045.

Meanwhile, Energy Minister Khadka while addressing the session on 'Integrated Innovation for Energy Future' emphasized on various aspects of energy development, grid connectivity, innovation, promotion of energy security and regional cooperation among the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Referring to Nepal's energy production capacity, he discussed the electricity production target and export target.

Discussing the achievement of tripartite cooperation between Nepal, India and Bangladesh in electricity trade, Minister Khadka emphasized on the need to create a regional framework for innovation, investment promotion and energy trade keeping in mind the consumer market, resource potential under the Shanghai Organization. As a dialogue partner, Nepal will continue to contribute to the organization's energy cooperation and will continue to be a leader in mutual cooperation in the energy sector.