The energy plan has been handed over to the Gharpajhong and Baragung Muktikshetra rural municipalities of Mustang. The Village/Municipality Energy Plan (MEP) prepared by the rural municipalities with financial support from the German government and the European Union and technical assistance from GIZ was handed over in the last week of Poush.

Dr. Ranjan Prakash Shrestha, Senior Project Manager of the European Union Delegation to Nepal, and Dr. Frank Fecher, Program Manager of the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GIZ) Nepal, handed over the plan to Rinjen Namgel Gurung, Chairman of Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality, and Mohan Singh Lalchan, Chairman of Gharapjhong Rural Municipality.

The local level Municipal Energy Plan has been prepared for Gharapjhong and Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality with the objective of formulating, implementing and monitoring a systematic program of clean and efficient energy plans, increasing access to clean energy services, and identifying sources of energy-related investment to support fact-based policy making, action planning and evaluation.

Under the GIZ project, a five-year energy plan has been prepared through a detailed study conducted by relevant technical experts in two municipalities of Mustang.

Prepared through extensive consultation with local and stakeholders, the plans will provide a practical roadmap for addressing energy challenges in the two rural municipalities of Mustang. The plan is expected to promote socio-economic development, climate resilience, productive use of grid electricity, and widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies. The rural municipality said it will empower local communities to drive their own development and prosperity.

The proposed municipal energy plan includes measures to ensure quality in household electricity use, promote clean energy-friendly appliances as an alternative to conventional household stoves, and encourage communities to use quality energy-saving appliances.

'The Municipal Energy Plan has given us a clear direction to move towards affordable, locally available, and clean energy solutions,' said Rinjen Namgel Gurung, chairperson of Wabagung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality. Gurung added, 'Our goal is to implement these activities in collaboration with government agencies and development partners.'

The MEPs include detailed market-based cost estimates, ensuring that the proposed programs are not only technically feasible but also economically viable. Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality has estimated a total implementation budget of Rs. 147.3 million, while Gharapjhong Rural Municipality has allocated a budget of Rs. 218.9 million for a five-year period.

Gharapjhong Rural Municipality Chairman Mohan Singh Lalchan said that the plan will provide a clear picture of the rural municipality’s overall situation, priorities and investment needs, providing a strong basis for collaboration with the government and development partners. He also highlighted the importance of the 21-day home-wiring training conducted for local youth with the support of Rip(Green), which will improve livelihood opportunities while strengthening electrical security in the community.

'Municipal/local energy plans are important, but their success depends on local ownership and effective implementation,' said Dr. Ranjan Prakash Shrestha. 'These plans can help reduce dependence on imported fuels, reduce household energy costs and strengthen climate resilience of vulnerable communities in Mustang.'

The handover event highlighted the growing importance of energy as a pillar of local development, public service improvement and climate resilience. Through the MEP, both rural municipalities have set a goal to systematically integrate the energy plan into their annual plans and overall development strategies.

Following the energy plan handover event, a team from the European Union and GIZ visited the recently completed hydropower-based lift irrigation system in Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-5, Riwan, Kaski District on 25 Pus. The system is an alternative energy The system, which uses a high-pressure pump-turbine that harnesses the energy of flowing water, has been established with financial and technical support from the Rip Green project, managed by the Promotion Center. The system uses a high-pressure pump-turbine that harnesses the energy of flowing water, which has provided irrigation facilities to 7.5 hectares of high-altitude farmland. Operating without the use of electricity or fossil fuels, this system, which requires little maintenance, presents an example of a cost-effective and sustainable irrigation solution.

During the visit, community members shared their experiences that access to reliable irrigation has already started to change their agricultural practices. The system has created an opportunity to increase household income by transforming from rain-fed subsistence agriculture to diversified cash crop production.

What is Rip Green?

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program – Recovery and Empowerment through Sustainable Energy in Nepal (Rip Green) is a partnership between the Government of Nepal, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the European Union. is a technical cooperation project between. The project has been promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency throughout Nepal.