The Society of Nepalese Engineers in the UK (SONEUK) organized a high-profile interaction in South Harrow, London, featuring Er. Kulman Ghising, former Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Chaired by SONEUK President Senior Er. Subodh Timilsina, the event focused on Nepal’s journey from chronic power shortages to becoming an energy-exporting nation.

From Load-Shedding to Surplus

Er. Ghising detailed his transformative nine-year tenure at the NEA, highlighting the shift from 16-hour daily power cuts to a profitable enterprise with reserves of 90 billion rupees.

• Production Boom: In the last eight years, electricity production increased fivefold, largely due to opening the sector to private investment.

• Trade Balance: For the first time, Nepal’s electricity exports (17 billion rupees) surpassed imports (12 billion rupees), with 1,000 MW currently being exported to India and Bangladesh.

• Potential: Studies indicate a massive 100 GW potential for hydropower in Nepal, including 30 identified reservoir sites.

The Future of Green Energy

Beyond traditional hydropower, Ghising emphasized Nepal’s emergence as a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, noting that EVs are up to 15 times cheaper to operate than fuel-based cars. He also looked toward the next frontier:

• Green Hydrogen: Positioned as a potential major export for the European market.

• Zero Trade Deficit: Ghising expressed confidence that clean energy alone could bridge Nepal's trade gap and ensure both energy and food security.

The "Ujyalo Nepal Abhiyan" Campaign

Ghising clarified that his Ujyalo Nepal Abhiyan (Bright Nepal Campaign) is not merely about electrical light, but a social movement aimed at fostering good governance, prosperity, and leadership. He addressed several critical questions from the audience, including:

• Sustainability: The legal framework for handing private hydropower projects back to the government after 35 years.

• Diaspora Investment: The need for resolving "continuity of citizenship" issues to unlock significant investment from Nepalis living abroad.

A Call to Action for Engineers

While praising the expertise of Nepali engineers abroad, Ghising noted that the current environment in Nepal remains a hurdle for those wishing to return. Chairperson Er. Subodh Timilsina echoed this sentiment, stating that while engineers are the foundation of development, a conducive domestic environment is essential for the diaspora to contribute their skills and capital effectively.

The event was moderated by Er. Bijay Gurung, with welcome remarks by General Secretary Manoj Pun and coordination by Secretary Sangita Pokhrel.