Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kulman Ghising said Sunday, September 28, that the expansion of electric charging stations can create employment for young people while helping Nepal transition to a green economy.
He was speaking at the inauguration of a charging station established by Change Digital at Samakhushi, Kathmandu. As vehicles take time to charge, businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops could be developed around these facilities to serve travellers, thereby generating jobs, the minister added.
He underscored the need to convert fuel-powered vehicles to electric ones to reduce pollution and move towards sustainable growth. “Investment in charging stations is a promising sector that will have a positive impact on the national economy,” Ghising said.
According to him, increased consumption of domestically generated hydropower in households, industries, and factories would reduce the import of petroleum products. Lower imports, he noted, would strengthen foreign currency reserves and make a significant contribution to the economy.
The government has set ambitious targets for electric mobility. By 2030, it aims to ensure that 90 percent of private vehicles and 70 percent of public vehicles are electric, with the shares rising to 95 percent and 90 percent respectively by 2035.
To support this transition, the Nepal Electricity Authority has installed 62 charging stations nationwide, while the private sector has already put in place around 800. The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre has also backed 45 projects to establish 124 charging locations in partnership with 18 companies, providing support through the Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund under the Central Renewable Energy Fund.
you need to login before leave a comment
Write a Comment
Comments
No comments yet.