Embrace EVs, Cut On Fossil Fuels

Nepal, a country rich in hydropower potential, stands at a pivotal moment where decisive policy shifts are necessary to secure its future. The path forward is clear: Nepal must embrace electric vehicles (EVs) and gradually phase out fossil fuels like gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This transition is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for the country’s economic prosperity and energy security.

Continued reliance on fossil fuels has serious consequences. The country imports large quantities of fossil fuels, draining its foreign reserves and exacerbating the trade deficit. Additionally, burning these fuels produces harmful emissions that worsen air pollution and contribute to climate change. As the world moves towards cleaner energy solutions, Nepal must not fall behind but rather lead the charge in the region.

Nepal's most abundant and clean energy resource, hydropower, offers a unique opportunity to transform the nation’s energy landscape. By harnessing its hydropower potential, Nepal can generate electricity that is not only sustainable but also cost-effective in the long run. This clean energy can be used to power electric vehicles, reducing the country's dependency on imported fossil fuels and improving air quality in urban areas.

Benefits

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Nepal offers multiple benefits. It can significantly reduce the nation's carbon footprint. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution, which is a growing concern in cities like Kathmandu. Cleaner air translates to better public health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Transitioning to electric vehicles can lead to substantial economic benefits. The funds currently spent on importing petrol, diesel, and LPG can be redirected towards other critical areas of development such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Furthermore, the development of EV infrastructure, such as charging stations, can create new job opportunities and stimulate local economies.

Implementing policies that encourage the use of electric vehicles is essential for this transition. The government can introduce incentives such as tax rebates, subsidies for EV purchases, and reduced tariffs on EV imports to make them more affordable for consumers. Additionally, investments in EV charging infrastructure are crucial to address range anxiety and ensure the convenience of owning an electric vehicle.

The public transportation system should also be electrified. Electric buses and taxis can serve as the backbone for sustainable urban mobility, reducing overall fuel consumption and emissions from the transportation sector. Cities around the world have successfully adopted electric buses, and Nepal can learn from these examples to implement similar solutions.

Replacing LPG with electricity for cooking is another critical area where Nepal can make significant progress. Electric stoves and induction cooktops powered by clean hydropower can replace traditional gas stoves, reducing household reliance on imported LPG. This shift not only enhances energy security but also provides a safer and more efficient cooking solution for households across the country.

To achieve these goals, a comprehensive and coherent national strategy is required. This strategy should include robust policies that promote the development and adoption of electric vehicles, investment in EV infrastructure, and ensuring the transition to electric vehicles is inclusive and benefits all segments of society. Policies should be designed to make EVs accessible to low-income households and rural communities. This can be achieved through targeted subsidies and financial assistance programmes.

Policy shift

Nepal should adopt policies to replace expensive and polluting fossil fuels and LPG gas, imported from abroad, with domestically produced hydropower. However, Nepal has not yet taken significant steps in this direction. The trade deficit continues to worsen, primarily due to the heavy expenditure on importing fossil fuels. Thus, a policy shift towards prioritising internal consumption and promoting electric vehicles is imperative.

Nepal must act now. By embracing electric vehicles and phasing out fossil fuels, Nepal can pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future. This transition will not only enhance the country's energy security and economic stability but also improve public health and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. The journey towards a cleaner, greener Nepal begins with bold policy decisions and collective action to harness the power of electric mobility. By prioritising internal needs, investing in sustainable technologies, and fostering a culture of innovation, Nepal can become a leader in clean energy and set an example for the region and the world.

(The author writes on water, energy, and climate change issues.)