Kathmandu, March 7 (RSS)Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has expressed the confidence that the power produced in Nepal would gradually reach to the Indian and Bangladeshi markets. Inaugurating the Solukhola Dudhkoshi Hydropower Project on Tuesday, the PM said that the recently held joint meeting of the energy secretaries from Nepal and India paved ways for Nepal’s energy export and added that export of power was an appropriate means to reduce the country’s trade deficit. The PM also pledged to collaborate with the private sector and resolve the challenges for the development and expansion of energy sector, which he termed is a better option for economic development and trade deficit reduction. Recalling that he announced to begin mega and strategically important projects in the country during his first prime ministerial stint, PM Prachanda argued that the projects have gradually advanced and would fulfill the country’s development aspirations. During his speech, the PM recalled that power outage had ended in the country practically and technically when he became the prime minister for the second time. On the occasion, the PM said that appropriate time has come to make a leap in green hydrogen, thanks to the development in the energy sector. Stating that the developed countries have qualitatively increased the usage of hydrogen energy, Prachanda said Nepal too will move towards that end. Sharing that he was suggested by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Kulman Ghising to ride a hydrogen-powered vehicle, PM shared that he was preparing for the same and discussions have been held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers for the use of green hydrogen. On a separate context, PM Prachanda said that the publicity made regarding the government approval to open a university in Mustang district was misleading. The PM said that though he is informed about the request made by a local level for opening a college, the Government of Nepal has not given any approval for opening this. Likewise, the PM stated that a revolutionary change could be brought about in the country if the minerals available in Mustang district were properly used and vowed to utilize the minerals available in Mustang and other districts in the country. In view of the economic slowdown in the country, the PM said the best possible efforts would be made for the country’s development and economic reforms. He hoped that the country would move ahead towards positive direction within some days since initiatives have been taken for the result. The project with 86 megawatt capacity is the largest power project developed by the private sector in the country so far. After the successful test, the project has started commercial power production and the power generated there is linked to the national grid through the Solu corridor transmission line of 132 KV. The project itself has constructed the 12 kilometres long transmission line of 132 KV. —