Nepal Takes Stride Towards 100% Renewable Future: COP 28 Session Advocates Just Energy Transition

Dubai, 5th December 2023 – In a collaborative effort spearheaded by WWF Nepal, the Ministry of Forests and Environment Nepal, and the Digo Bikash Institute, a pivotal session titled “From fossils to sustainable future: towards 100% renewable and just energy transition” was conducted at the Nepal Pavilion during COP 28 in Dubai.

Key Takeaways:

• The session aimed at fostering the exchange of knowledge and experiences related to Renewable Energy (RE) efforts and exploring its potential for a Just Energy Transition (JET).
• Emphasizing the urgency of the renewable energy transition, panelists, including Corinne Kowalski from WWF Germany and Raju Chhetri, Executive Director of Prakriti Resources Centre, engaged in a comprehensive discussion on country-level efforts towards achieving 100% RE.
• Challenges and opportunities in implementing community-owned decentralized energy systems took center stage during the panel discussion, shedding light on the need for innovative solutions to drive sustainable change.
• The importance of North-South cooperation for a Just Energy Transition was highlighted, with insights shared by Pham Thi Cam Nhung, Climate and Energy Practice Lead at WWF Vietnam, and Yonah Turiyano, Coordinator of the Energy, Climate, and Extractives Programme in WWF Uganda.

Key Statements:

• Mr. Nabin Raj Singh, Joint Secretary, MoEWRI: “Nepal has a huge potential to generate clean and renewable energy, and transition from the fossil fuel usage towards 100% RE. But this requires clear and coherent policies and plans, their implementation, increased investments, and collaboration and partnership among different stakeholders. Nepal also needs to focus on increasing the share of non-hydro renewables in its energy-mix to make the energy system more resilient and sustainable.”

Looking Forward:

• The session’s outcome suggests a growing commitment from Nepal to harness its vast potential for clean and renewable energy. Clear policies, collaborative efforts, and a focus on non-hydro renewables are seen as critical components in achieving a resilient and sustainable energy system.

The success of this session at COP 28 reflects a global commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and paves the way for a more just and sustainable energy future.