In a major step toward enhancing local energy planning and sustainable development, the Municipal Energy Plans (MEPs) for Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality and Gharapjhong Rural Municipality in Mustang District were formally handed over to the respective local governments on January 7.
The handover ceremony took place at the municipality offices, where Dr. Ranjan Prakash Shrestha, Senior Project Manager at the European Union Delegation to Nepal, and Dr. Frank Fecher, Programme Manager at GIZ Nepal, presented the plans to Rinzen Namgel Gurung, Chairperson of Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, and Mohan Singh Lalchan, Chairperson of Gharapjhong Rural Municipality.
The five-year MEPs were developed by the rural municipalities themselves, with technical assistance from the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme – Green Recovery and Empowerment with Energy in Nepal (REEEP-GREEN) project, implemented by GIZ Nepal and co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Created through broad consultations with local communities and stakeholders, the plans offer a practical roadmap to tackle energy challenges in the region. They promote socio-economic growth, climate resilience, productive use of grid electricity, and wider adoption of renewable energy technologies - empowering local communities to drive their own development and prosperity.
“The Municipal Energy Plan gives us a clear direction toward affordable, locally available, and cleaner energy solutions,” said Chairperson Rinzen Namgel Gurung. “We aim to implement these activities in close collaboration with government agencies and development partners.”
The plans feature detailed, market-based cost estimates to ensure technical feasibility and economic viability. Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality has projected a total implementation budget of Rs 147.3 million, while Gharapjhong Rural Municipality has allocated Rs 218.9 million over the five-year period.
Chairperson Mohan Singh Lalchan emphasized that the MEP provides a comprehensive overview of the rural municipality’s current energy situation, priorities, and investment needs - laying a solid foundation for partnerships with government bodies and development partners. He also praised the REEEP-GREEN-supported 21-day house wiring training for local youths, which enhances livelihoods and improves electrical safety across the community.
“Municipal Energy Plans are vital tools, but their success hinges on strong local ownership and effective implementation,” noted Shrestha. “These plans can reduce dependence on imported fuels, lower household energy costs, and bolster climate resilience for Mustang’s vulnerable high-altitude communities.”
The handover event also featured the inauguration of an energy-retrofitted office room at the Gharapjhong Rural Municipality office - a practical demonstration of energy efficiency measures in public buildings, implemented under the Building Energy Efficiency in Nepal (BEEN) project with European Union funding.
The REEEP-GREEN initiative continues to support Nepal’s transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency, fostering inclusive green recovery and sustainable development across the country.
This handover marked an important milestone in empowering rural local governments to lead clean energy initiatives tailored to their unique needs.
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