Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka has said that innovative cooperation is essential for energy security.

He made this remark while addressing the inaugural session of the 5th Energy Ministerial Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) organised with the slogan 'Integrate Innovation for Energy Future' in Ningbo City of Zhejiang Province, China.

According to a press statement issued by his secretariat, Minister Khadka stressed the need to strengthen energy development, grid connectivity, innovation, promotion of energy security and regional cooperation among SCO member states.

Stating that energy has now become not only a matter of trade but also the basis of sustainable development and shared prosperity, he said that it is necessary to move the SCO region forward on the journey of energy independence through partnership and innovation.

Giving information about Nepal's energy plan, Minister Khadka said, "Nepal has set a target of generating 28,500 MW of electricity by 2035, of which 15,000 MW will be exported."

He clarified that more than 3,500 MW of electricity has been generated in Nepal at present and the government's plan is to double this in the near future.

Minister Khadka said that electricity trade with India has started, electricity has been exported to Bangladesh for the first time using India's grid and this should be considered as a historic achievement of trilateral energy cooperation.

Considering the huge population, energy resources, and potential of the SCO region, he emphasised that it is imperative to further strengthen innovation, investment promotion, regional infrastructure for energy trade, and mutual cooperation.

Stating that Nepal has been continuously cooperating in the energy sector as a dialogue partner of the SCO, he said, "The energy sector should be inclusive, sustainable and based on cooperation, and Nepal is leading this journey."

The meeting was actively attended by energy ministers, high level representatives and technical experts of SCO member states.

The meeting is expected to set a roadmap for regional energy cooperation, technology, infrastructure, and trade.