Pokhara launches municipal energy plan

By A Staff Reporter 

Kathmandu, Aug. 7: Pokhara Metropolitan City has launched its first Municipal Energy Plan (MEP) as a step toward sustainable urban development and clean energy planning. 

The five-year plan aims at expanding energy access, enhance energy efficiency, and promote renewable energy solutions to meet its growing energy demands—while aligning with Nepal’s national energy and climate goals. 

Mayor of Pokhara Dhanaraj Acharya formally unveiled the MEP at a programme on Wednesday. The event was attended by Deputy Executive Director of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Dr. Narayan Prasad Adhikari, Senior Energy Specialist of GIZ Nepal, Dr. Narayan P. Chaulagain along with other representatives from the Metropolitan City, GIZ Nepal and the private sector.

The MEP was developed by the Energy Development Subcommittee with technical support from REEEP-GREEN project following a comprehensive nine step preparation process that included intensive stakeholder consultations. The plan was formally approved and endorsed by Pokhara Metropolitan City in February 2025, read a statement issued by the stakeholders of the plan. 

With a total budget of Rs. 1.339 billion, the MEP outlines a vision for achieving efficient and sustainable energy for Prosperous Pokhara. 

It has identified key priority areas such as increasing the generation and use of clean, efficient renewable energy at the household level, promoting transition from conventional and imported fuels to locally available renewable sources, enhancing energy efficiency in commercial and industrial sectors while reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, and raising public awareness through policy initiatives and educational campaigns. 

Speaking at the event, Mayor Acharya reaffirmed the city’s strong commitment to implementing the plan in close collaboration with all stakeholders. He emphasised its critical role in advancing Pokhara’s journey toward a greener, more resilient, and energy-smart future. Acharya also highlighted the importance of effective coordination amongst all three tiers of government to ensure successful implementation of such ambitious initiatives.

REEEP-GREEN is a joint initiative financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project is implemented by GIZ and its partners, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation (MoEWRI) and AEPC.