KATHMANDU: Udo Eugen Volz, Germany’s Ambassador to Nepal, paid a courtesy visit to Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising.

The meeting took place at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation in Singha Durbar.

During the visit, Ambassador Volz congratulated Minister Ghising and wished him success in his tenure.

Discussions focused on Nepal–Germany economic cooperation, German-supported solar projects, the Lekhnath–Damauli 220 kV transmission line, and potential areas of support for energy transition initiatives.

Minister Ghising requested Germany to further increase its assistance to Nepal.

Highlighting long-term economic cooperation between Nepal and Germany, Ghising emphasized that medium-sized hydropower projects built with German assistance, including the Marshyangdi and Middle Marshyangdi projects, serve as lifelines for Nepal’s energy sector.

He also noted the importance of the Pokhara–Butwal–Bharatpur Green Triangle Project, supported jointly by Germany and the European Union, expected to be completed by 2029, for energy consumption in the region.

Minister Ghising stated that the expansion and improvement of transmission and distribution networks would be immediately initiated to promote the use of electricity for electric vehicles and household consumption.

With ongoing road expansion connecting Pokhara, Butwal, and Bharatpur, he emphasized the need for trolleys, charging stations, and proper management of increased electricity demand, requesting German support for related studies.

He further requested international experts to assist in assessing and reconstructing public and government infrastructure severely damaged during the Gen Z Movement, noting the lack of domestic expertise.

Ambassador Volz informed that Germany would send a team in December to identify areas for assistance over the next two years and to review ongoing support.