With the aim to consolidate past efforts in promoting energy efficiency, experts on energy efficiency in Nepal gathered here today to discuss the institutionalization of energy efficiency in the country. The need of a platform to manage a complex multi-pronged network relevant to energy and possible arrangements was extensively discussed during the Stakeholders’ Consultative Workshop on Institutionalization of Energy Efficiency in Nepal organized by Nepal Energy Efficiency Programme (NEEP) under the Ministry of Energy, Government of Nepal with support from the German Development Cooperation – GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

A robust policy and well-designed institutional framework is a precondition for achieving energy efficiency (EE) goals. While designing an appropriate policy and institutional framework is not an easy task, achievements of EE goals largely depend on the level of commitment from key stakeholders. Experiences reveal that institutionalization of a separate entity for the promotion of energy efficiency can contribute in manifolds in overcoming the existing complexities to achieve these goals.

Speaking during the occasion Dr. Sanjay Sharma, the joint secretary of the Ministry of Energy reiterated on the need of such an institution for the promotion of energy efficiency in the country. Referring to the experiences from the other countries, Dr. Sharma explained that the establishment of a dedicated entity has proven to be a turning point in the promotion of energy efficiency in other country. Speaking on the occasion, Jaqueline Groth, Deputy Chief of Mission of the German Embassy mentioned that the main barriers is the absence of an institutional framework for energy efficiency, which international experience has been proven to be the main catalyst for energy efficiency. Ms. Groth further mentioned that among other advantages the institutionalization of energy efficiency can greatly promote the investment climate in Nepal for this sector, mainly by reducing uncertainty for potential investors.

Recognizing the potentials of energy efficiency, the government of Nepal has started to put impetus on the promotion of energy efficiency in the country. The government of Federal Republic Germany has been supporting efforts of the government of Nepal towards energy efficiency through GIZ under German Development Cooperation (GDC) since 2010. With promising results achieved through cost saving with energy efficiency measures under NEEP, GDC has pledged to continue their support in boosting energy efficiency in the country. Led by the Ministry of Energy, NEEP currently assists in three components, like the introduction of market based energy efficiency services for the private and public sector, the development and introduction of performance standards for biomass based improved cooking stoves for rural households as well as in the provision of advisory services to the government for the establishment of an energy efficiency institution in the country.