Kathmandu, Feb. 27:A one-day workshop on renewable energy “Technology for officials” was organised by Centre for Energy Studies (CES) of Institute of Engineering (IOE) here today with a view to sensitising the senior officials towards the Development of renewable energy technologies in Nepal.

In his opening remarks at the workshop, Dean of the Institute of Engineering Prof. Dr. Jiv Raj Pokharel, noted the importance of energy in the development of the country and said “the implementing sector and academic institution are coming closer and the training of the joint secretaries by CES shows a sign of fruitful co-operation.”

At its closing ceremony, programme director of CES Prof. J.N. Shrestha highlighted the need of energy in the economic activities and laid stress on the development of renewable energy technology in Nepal.

“There are very limited number of energy professionals in Nepal and this is the reason behind the centralisation of energy development sector in Nepal,” said Prof. Shrestha. “Decentralisation of energy systems, particularly renewable energy technology can only be achieved if Nepal will have more professionals in this sector.”

In view of such a situation, CES/IOE were planning to start M. Sc. Course in renewable energy engineering in Nepal, he disclosed.

Mr Shyam Lal Vaidhya executive director of alternative energy promotion centre (AEPC) said, “Awareness programme such as this is very important for the overall development of alternative renewabl energy technologies in Nepal.”

Thirteen participants from various ministries and ADB/N participted in the workshop.