Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka has informed that preparations are being made for the construction of Rasuwagadhi/Chilime-Geelong/Kerung 220 KV transmission line to be connected with China.

In the fifth energy ministerial meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Ningpo, Chachang Province, China, he discussed the achievements of Nepal's energy sector and said that a transmission line with China will be built. He also said that electricity is being traded with India and Bangladesh.

Speaking at a parallel forum on 'high-quality energy development' on Thursday, Minister Khadka said, 'An agreement has been reached with India and Bangladesh for the export of electricity. China is preparing for the construction of Rasuwagadhi/Chilime-Geelong/Kerung 220 kV transmission line.

Noting that 400 kV Dhalkevar-Muzaffarpur transmission line is in operation with India along with 132 kV and lower voltage transmission lines, Minister Khadka also informed that a historic agreement has been reached for the export of electricity to Bangladesh through India.

In his speech, Minister Khadka called energy security a basic need of modern life and pointed out the need for regional cooperation, investment and policy innovation. He said, 'Energy is not an option for today, it is as necessary for life as oxygen.'

Claiming that Nepal has doubled its electricity production in the last five years, Minister Khadka said that about 99 percent of the people have access to electricity and more than 95 percent of electricity production is from renewable energy sources.

For a safe, inclusive and green future of the energy sector, he drew attention to the fact that regional policy coordination, regional investment and partnership in transmission infrastructure, transparent pricing and the development of the energy market through a green finance system are indispensable.

Noting that Nepal has set a target of producing 28,500 megawatts of electricity by 2035 and exporting 15,000 megawatts of it, 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 gave a speech on 'Integrated Innovation for Energy Future' and emphasized various aspects of energy development, grid connectivity, innovation, promotion of energy security and regional cooperation among the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He explained the power generation target and export target while mentioning the energy production capacity of Nepal. Discussing the achievements 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, energy trade, keeping in mind the consumer market, resource potential under the Shanghai Organization. He clarified that 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.

A meeting of energy ministers of the Organization on "Innovation and Integration, Dynamic Future" was held under the joint initiative of the National Energy Administration of China and the Zhejiang Provincial Government. Heads of energy departments of relevant SCO countries, relevant representatives and ambassadors of China participated in the meeting and exchanged intensive successful experiences of various countries in promoting energy transformation and sustainable development.