Sustainable infrastructure: water, energy, transport: Solar energy – building self-reliance through training
With effective support from GIZ, Nepal offers practical training courses to help drive its energy transition.
Train the trainers: The work of solar energy training providers enhances Nepal’s energy security. Thanks to GIZ, they are able to offer their services on the open market, and around 600 course participants are already benefiting. This strengthens the local economy in an important partner country for Germany.
When Bednidhi Ghimire was given the opportunity to join a solar energy training programme, the young man quickly realised that this was not just about his own future, but also that of Morang, his home region in eastern Nepal. So naturally he seized the opportunity straight away.
In Nepal, around four per cent of all households currently have no access to electricity. Especially in remote mountain regions, many people are cut off from the power grid. More and more Nepalese now use solar energy as a cost-effective solution, although problems often arise with the systems after they have been installed. Municipalities and local businesses lack the knowledge and experience needed to use and maintain these technologies effectively.
Sustainable development and self-reliance
Together with the state-run Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) and the Solar Electric Manufacturers Association Nepal (SEMAN), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has therefore developed a comprehensive series of training programmes on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). GIZ has also helped five training providers across the country to establish their business on the open market using the programmes.
Municipalities and energy sector companies book courses for their employees with the providers. From planning and installation through to maintenance, they learn everything they need to be able to operate Nepal’s solar energy systems and keep them working effectively. Nearly 600 people have gained additional skills thanks to the training. One of those is Bednidhi Ghimire, who completed a solar technician course: ‘The training was productive and valuable. The lessons were practical, and the study visits deepened my knowledge of the solar industry and everyday applications.’
Municipalities and companies pay part of the course costs themselves. However, international development cooperation organisations also provide grants of up to 50 per cent. The goal is for the course system eventually to be self-funding without any external support. Diego Senoner, who manages the project for GIZ, explains: ‘The course structures are now well established, and there is a strong commitment to become self-reliant. We expect that at least some of the training providers will be able to keep their business going in the long term.’
Successful collaboration and future prospects
Local municipalities have shown great interest. Khali Raj Basnet, head of the rural municipality of Sotang, sees great value in the project: ‘I want my community to be a place where young people don’t have to migrate to the cities to succeed. We can achieve this with the right partnerships and a focus on practical training.’
For Dr Laxman Prasad Ghimire, Deputy Director of the AEPC, the partnership with GIZ is a success story: ‘The revival and institutionalisation of training for solar electrical engineers is making a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the solar energy sector in Nepal.’ With electricity from the sun’s rays now playing an increasingly important role in the country’s energy mix, this is also a boost to energy security. So far, most of Nepal’s electricity has come from hydropower. As the climate changes, however, water is becoming an increasingly unreliable source of energy. In the dry season, Nepal is dependent on climate-damaging coal-fired power from India. Solar energy is the sustainable alternative.
Germany and Nepal – a strategic partnership
By training qualified technicians, the project has ensured that solar energy installations will continue to operate for years and support Nepal’s energy transition. It has also created a more favourable business environment for solar energy thanks to the introduction of new standards and guidelines with GIZ support. These ensure that solar plants are operated efficiently and sustainably.
In terms of development cooperation, Nepal and Germany are strategic partners, especially in the areas of climate, economic development and democratic governance. The energy sector has been a priority for BMZ support over the past 30 years – and is set to remain so.
Now a qualified solar technician, Bednidhi Ghimire sees the continuing professionalisation of Nepal’s energy industry as a great opportunity. Not only for himself but also for other young people in the country: ‘With the right support and the right opportunities, this can be a promising career path for many.’
