KATHMANDU, June 6: The United Nations has installed a solar energy system at its country office in Kathmandu in a move to make headway toward a renewable energy future.

Coinciding with the World Environment Day on Tuesday, the new system was jointly inaugurated by the acting interim UN resident coordinator and country representative of WFP, Pippa Bradford; director of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Nawaraj Dhakal; and the heads of other UN agencies in Nepal.

The solar energy system comprises of 426 photovoltaic (PV) panels and a 204-kWh lithium storage battery, which produces 196,000-kilowatt hour (kWh) energy annually. It is roughly equivalent to the consumption of electricity by 1410 Nepali citizens in a year, according to a press statement issued by the UN.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Bradford said, “By switching to solar power and encouraging staff to use energy more efficiently, the UN in Nepal is practicing what we preach. This is our commitment to sustainable energy, and we hope to inspire organizations and individuals to take action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create a renewable energy future.”

The solar energy project, conceptualized in 2016, is a joint initiative of four UN agencies--UNDP, WHO, FAO and UNICEF--located within the UN House premises under the technical guidance of Green Energy Solutions team, Information Management and Technology, UNDP Denmark.

With the installation of the system, UN House is expected to reduce CO2 emission by 52 tons annually, which is equivalent to 86 motorcycles taken off the roads and 260 Nepali citizens' carbon footprint, reads the statement.

The SDG identifies clean energy as an integral part of the global strategy to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.

 
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