Energy Minister Khadka and US Ambassador Thompson discuss MCC project

Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka and US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson have held a meeting at the Ministry in Singha Durbar.

At the meeting on Wednesday, they discussed various aspects of energy cooperation between the two countries and the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project.

During the meeting, Energy Minister Khadka stated that although the projects being carried out under the MCC project are progressing, the MCC has been on hold for some time, which has created some uncertainty.

He expressed confidence that the MCC project would be continued and expected the US’s additional assistance in the energy sector. During the meeting, US Ambassador Thompson said the United States will continue to support and cooperate in Nepal’s energy sector.

Minister Khadka mentioned that all possible initiatives and efforts are being made to advance the MCC project. He urged for the support that needs to be provided by the Government of Nepal to continually advance the projects being carried out under the MCC.

As per an agreement signed under the MCC, the US is supposed to invest 500 million dollars while Nepal would spend 197 million dollars for the MCC-funded MCA project. Under the project, the construction of the 400 kV transmission line and associated substations will take place from Lapsiphedi–Ratmate, Ratmate–Damauli, Damauli–Butwal, and Butwal to the Nepal–India border (Gorakhpur).

Representatives of MCC and the MCA as well as the Ministry’s senior officials were present at the meeting.