Kathmandu, 26 November 2015

A robust policy and well-designed institutional framework is a precondition for achieving energy efficiency (EE) goals and targets. The significance of institutionalization of energy efficiency was emphasized during the two day International Conference on Institutionalization of Energy Efficiency organized here from 26^th to 27^th November 2015. The conference was being organized in Kathmandu 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).

The two day conference focused on Institutionalization as a key for the promotion of energy efficiency was participated by more than 100 participants representing eight different countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Germany, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and Thailand. During the conference, the participants shared each others’ experiences on issues such as progress achieved in promotion of energy efficiency across the countries, key success factors that have led to the promotion of energy efficiencies in these countries, different models of institutional arrangements prevailing in these countries.

Inaugurating the conference, the chief guest Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Honorable Vice Chairperson, National Planning Commission stated that in Nepal, institutionalization of EE reveal potential to achieve national development strategy by enhancing energy access and improving energy security. Ensuring support from the Government of Germany in achieving EE goals and targets in different countries the special Guest of the inaugural sessoin Mr. Matthias Meier, Ambassador, Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany in Nepal highlighted the experiences on institutionalization of a separate entity for the promotion of energy efficiency contributing in manifolds in overcoming the existing complexities. Speaking as the chairperson of the inaugural session Mr. Suman Prasad Sharma, Secretary of Ministry of Energy underscored that while designing an appropriate policy and institutional framework is not an easy task, achievements of EE goals and targets largely depend on level of commitment from key stakeholders.