Kathmandu, March 28: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has said the budget to be received from carbon trading should be used for the cause of economically and socially impoverished community.     

Speaking at a programme on ‘carbon financing in energy projects: opportunities for investment’ organised by the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre here today, the Minister viewed solar plants facility could be ensured for poor and backward communities through the Carbon Fund.     

He stressed the need of collective efforts in the reduction of carbon emissions. As the Minister said, the government bodies could deliver in the interests of the citizens.     

Reminding that Nepal is a signatory to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, he said the role of renewable energy and efficiency is significant to implement a long term national strategy to reduce the net carbon emissions to nil by 2045.     

According to him, the implementation of Nepal’s commitments in international forums on clean energy and climate change is essential. He viewed the recently endorsed ‘Energy Development Guideline and Action Plan, 2081 BS’ is the top priority of the government to this regard.     

The long-term goal to reduce carbon emission to net zero, the second National Determined Contribution, and the 16th Periodic Plan are related to the relevant national goals and international commitments, the Minister mentioned.     

The Minister viewed government would facilitate the endorsement of the Bill relating to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency that was recently presented in the House of Representatives following its endorsement from the National Assembly (NA), as it is one of the top priorities.     

On the occasion, Member of the National Planning Commission, Pro Dr RP Bichchha, stressed the need of securing more and more benefits for Nepal from the carbon trading. He also lauded the role of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre regarding the implementation of the Paris Agreement.     

Centre’s Executive Director Nawaraj Dhakal said that Nepal had so far secured Rs 4.83 billion from carbon trading.     

The event was expected to be beneficial for the ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ (a multi-stakeholders dialogue scheduled to be held on May 16-18 for an advocacy of climate justice).(RSS)