Kathmandu

Energy Minister Deepak Khadka Meets Australian Ambassador; Discusses Bilateral Cooperation in Renewable Energy and Hydropower

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Hon. Deepak Khadka, received a courtesy call from the Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Her Excellency Liane Johnston, at the Ministry on Monday. The meeting was held in the context of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Australia, a milestone both sides acknowledged with mutual appreciation.

Welcoming Ambassador Johnston on behalf of the Government of Nepal and the Ministry, Minister Khadka expressed gratitude for Australia’s longstanding support, especially in the areas of education, human resource development, and capacity building. He emphasized the valuable role of scholarship programs and training initiatives in enhancing Nepal's technical and institutional capabilities.

Expanding Cooperation in Green Energy and Infrastructure

Minister Khadka highlighted Nepal’s immense potential for cooperation with Australia in several key sectors, including:

• Hydropower development

• Renewable energy and storage technologies

• Modernization of transmission systems

• Climate-resilient irrigation

• Clean energy infrastructure and innovation

He warmly welcomed the prospect of Australian investment and technology in supporting Nepal’s green energy transformation, and emphasized the government’s openness to deeper partnerships in these areas.

Invitation to International Pumped Storage Conference

Ambassador Johnston formally invited Minister Khadka to attend the upcoming International Pumped Storage Hydropower Conference, scheduled to be held in Paris, France, from 8–10 September 2025. Thanking her for the invitation, Minister Khadka expressed his belief that pumped storage hydropower could play a pivotal role in diversifying Nepal’s energy mix and unlocking new investment opportunities in the energy sector.

Discussion on Nepal's Energy Roadmap

Ambassador Johnston also congratulated Minister Khadka on the recent launch of the "Energy Sector Development Roadmap 2081", which she described as an important step forward for Nepal's energy future. She requested further insights into the plan.

Minister Khadka explained that the roadmap outlines Nepal’s vision to:

• Generate 28,500 MW of electricity by 2035

  • 13,500 MW for domestic consumption

  • 10,000 MW for export to India

  • 5,000 MW for export to Bangladesh

He emphasized that achieving this target will require strong international collaboration, advanced technologies, and supportive financing mechanisms.

Australian Support and Future Partnership

Ambassador Johnston reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting sustainable hydropower development in Nepal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining environmental integrity alongside energy expansion. She conveyed Australia’s willingness to work closely with Nepal in implementing the Roadmap and achieving shared climate and development goals.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

In conclusion, Minister Khadka reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to further strengthening Nepal–Australia relations, particularly in the sectors of energy, water resources, and irrigation. He also wished Ambassador Johnston a successful tenure in Nepal.

Both sides expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cooperation will lead to more meaningful and impactful partnerships in the days ahead.

Image Source : Urjasanchar

Content Source :