International Workshop on “Energy Transition for Sustainable Development”

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Laboratory (RSEL), Kathmandu University successfully organized a two-day international workshop on “Energy Transition for Sustainable Development” from January 7th to 8th, 2024 as part of a joint project “Sustainable Energy Engineering Doctoral Program (SEED)” in collaboration with Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Linnaeus University (LNU) and Lund University (LU) in Sweden, TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS), India and Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS) in Bolivia funded by Swedish Research Council.

The main objective of the workshop was to bring together professionals working in renewable and sustainable energy across academia, government, non-government, and private sectors. Nearly 50 participants from two different countries, Nepal, and Sweden, actively engaged in intense discussions on energy transition for sustainable development. A notable highlight of the workshop was the poster presentation by PhD students and discussions related to the SEED mobility program.

Prof. Sunil Lohani, Lead of RSEL, KU, commenced the workshop by highlighting the significance of the energy transition from the current energy mix to cleaner fuels and the role of renewable energy for the attainment of the ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2045. Meanwhile, Prof. Brijesh Mainali from Linnaeus University, Sweden provided insight into the current scenario of building energy, addressing key policies related to energy efficiency. Furthermore, Prof. Dilip Khatiwada from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden gave perspectives on sustainable assessment of renewable energy- systems. The workshop also delved into the cross-cutting issue of gender in sustainable development, with Prof. Misse Wester from Lund University highlighting the pivotal role of gender in this context. Additionally, Prof. Krushna Mahapatra from Linnaeus University offered an overview of the multilevel perspective of change and adaptation. Mr. Rabi Bhushan Jha, the General Secretary of the Nepal Engineer’s Association, shared insights on endeavours related to energy transition in Nepal and the roles they play. In addition to that, Mr. Guna Raj Dhakal, the chairperson of the Renewable Energy Confederation (RECON) of Nepal emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between academia and the private sector for an effective and efficient energy transition. Furthermore, five PhD students from the SEED mobility program presented their experience during the mobility period in Sweden and research outcome of the mobility period.

The workshop concluded with a note from Prof. Achyut Wagle, Registrar of Kathmandu University, expressing delight at the enthusiastic participation from diverse sectors and academia leaving attendees inspired with a motivational note.