Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, said Thursday that innovative cooperation was essential to ensure energy security.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the 5th Energy Ministers’ Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), held in Ningbo city of China’s Zhejiang province under the theme “Integrate Innovation for Energy Future”, Khadka underlined the importance of strengthening energy development, grid connectivity, innovation, promotion of energy security, and regional cooperation among SCO member states.
“Energy is no longer merely a tradable commodity—it has become the cornerstone of sustainable development and shared prosperity,” he said, urging SCO members to pursue energy independence through innovation and strategic partnerships.
Outlining Nepal’s long-term energy plan, Khadka reiterated Nepal’s goal to raise its total installed capacity to 28,500 MW by 2035, of which 15,000 MW is earmarked for export. Nepal currently produces over 3,500 MW during the wet season, with plans to double generation in the near future.
He pointed to Nepal’s growing cross-border electricity trade, noting that exports to India and Bangladesh had already begun. Nepal’s export of electricity to Bangladesh via India’s transmission infrastructure, he said, marked a historic milestone in trilateral energy cooperation.
Given the SCO region’s vast population, energy resources, and untapped potential, Khadka called for increased innovation, investment promotion, the development of regional energy infrastructure, and enhanced multilateral cooperation.
“As a dialogue partner of the SCO, Nepal has remained committed to regional energy collaboration,” he said. “The energy sector must be inclusive, sustainable, and based on shared responsibility—and Nepal is ready to lead in that direction.”
The meeting brought together energy ministers, senior officials, and technical experts from SCO member states. It is expected to outline a comprehensive roadmap for energy cooperation, technology transfer, infrastructure development, and trade within the region.
