Orientation to Journalists on Solar Energy and Bio-Gas Technology Solar support to community radio
Kathmandu, Nepal forum of Environmental Journalist (NEFEJ) organized regional orientation sessions on solar energy and bio-gas technology in eastern and western development regions with the aim of informing media people about the latest scenario of the renewable energy in Nepal.

The program was organized in eastern regional centre Biratnagar on 25-26 July 2012. Minister of Environment Science and Technology Dr. Keshav Man Shakya highlighted the steps taken by Nepal government to promote renewable energy in rural part of the nation. He talked about the hurdles in developing large hydro projects, accepting the foreign aid with their terms and conditions. “If we take foreign assistance for hydro project, our resource will be locked for hundred year affecting national economy. In such situation we can develop alternative energy which can ultimately support the national target of poverty reduction, social change and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Addressing the session as chief guest Minister Shakya made appeal to media people to support the government efforts of promoting renewable energy. Executive Director of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) Prof. Dr. Govinda Raj Pokharel spoke on the importance of alternative energy in Nepal.

During two days session expert on renewable energy briefed about the activities related to alternative energy in Nepal. Madhusudan Adhikari, Chaitanya Prakash Chaudhari, Balaram Shrestha, Lawa Thapa conducted sessions on various aspects of bio-gas and solar components. Nimesh Regmi immediate general secretary of NEFEJ and Remesh Prasad Bhusal, Principal Correspondent of the Himalayan Times Daily highlighted the issues to be covered by the local journalists. 25 journalists from eight districts of eastern region took part in the event.

Similarly, NEFEJ team organized the same orientation program of western tourist hub Pokhara on 28-29 July 2012. Secretary of MoEST Krishna Gywali declared the government initiative to support community radio to install solar back up. Gyawali informed that Nepal government is going to support 10 community radios with cash of one hundred thousand rupees for solar back up this year. The program was also addressed by Prof. Dr. Pokharel and other government officials.

During two day session Mashusadan Adhikari, Lawa Thapa, Prakash Gyawali, Mukesh Ghimire, Surya Kumar Sapkota made presentations on solar energy and bio-gas technology. The program was attended by 29 journalists from 8 districts of western Nepal. The program was completed with the support from AEPC.