Kathmandu is one of the fastest growing cities in South Asia facing various challenges
related to climate change, local pollutants emissions and energy security of supply. This
study analysed the greenhouse gas mitigation potential in different economic sectors of
the city by using Long-range Energy Planning (LEAP) frame work. It shows that the
effect of implementing various low carbon development strategy options can reduce
35.2% of total greenhouse gas emission from energy use as compared to the base case
scenario in 2030. This indicates the need for exploring the possibility of utilizing the
global climate funds and adopting voluntary mechanisms for greenhouse gas mitigation.
The estimated demand side technology investment cost of low carbon measures for
different sectors ranges from less than USD 1/tonne CO2e for residential sector to USD
99/tonne CO2e for transport sector. The low carbon options also results co-benefits in
terms of significant reduction in emission of local pollutants and improvement of energy
security. As Government of Nepal has envisioned following low carbon economic
development path on the long run, there is the need of establishment of regulatory
framework, institutional framework and development of clear action plans for realizing
the implementation of low carbon development strategy measures in the country.