Energy Minister for promotion of electric vehicles

KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has laid emphasis on the use of domestically generated electricity by reducing the consumption of imported fuel to make the national economy self-reliant.

Inaugurating the electric vehicle rally organized here this morning on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Minister Bhusal said that around Rs 2 billion is being spent annually on import of petroleum products and Rs 40 billion on cooking LP gas.

She called for increasing the consumption of electricity for industry, transportation and household purposes, which would avoid wastage of electricity and also contribute to the national economy.

Stating that the government has given high priority to the promotion of electric vehicles, she said that the use of electric vehicles should be increased to reduce the impact of climate change and create employment opportunities in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary at the Ministry, Sagar Rai, pointed out the need for use of electric vehicles by the government, private sector and the general public as electric vehicles are environmentally friendly, convenient for passengers and increase electricity consumption.

Executive Director of the Center Dr Madhusudan Adhikari said that the Center has been emphasizing on environment protection and promotion of clean energy.

Nepal Electricity Authority Executive Director Kulman Ghising said that charging stations are being installed at various places to encourage the use of electric vehicles to increase electricity consumption. He shared that about four to five hundred megawatts of electricity is being wasted daily currently.

The procession of electric vehicles started from Jawalakhel in Lalitpur, passed through various places in Kathmandu and ended upon reaching Bhrikuti Mandap. The rally was attended by about 300 people in electric bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, tempos and cars. (RSS)