The REDP was initiated on 16th August 1996 as a joint programme between Government of Nepal (GoN) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank. It complements the rural electrification objective of the Tenth Five Year Plan Government of Nepal by promoting micro hydro schemes, solar, wind energy and biogas technologies. It adopts holistic approach by linking rural electrification with rural economic activities and ultimately impact positively on livelihood of the rural people. Decentralized and participatory planning, decision making, implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities are basic pillars for the success of the program. It was recognized with many internationally prestigious awards viz. ENERGY GLOBE AWARD 2000, AUSTRIA; PEARL OF KNOWLEDGE AWARD 2005, THAILAND; GLOBAL 100 ECO-TECH AWARD 2005, JAPAN. It is targeted to cover 150 VDCs in the 25 programme districts.

REDP-I

REDP-I is a joint initiative of His Majesty’s Government of Nepal (HMGN) and the UNDP. It was initiated in 1996 as a pilot project in five hill districts. It was implemented in 15 hill districts of Nepal namely, Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Achham, Bajura, Dailekh, Pyuthan, Baglung, Myagdi, Parbat, Tanahu, Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Okhadhunga and Tehrathum. By December 2003, REDP-I had supported the communities of 100 VDCs of 15 districts to install 120 micro hydro schemes, 1524 solar home systems, 2953 toilet attached biogas plants and 7200 improved cooking stoves, resulting in more than 10,000 new rural households having access to electricity. It has successfully demonstrated that rural energy is an effective entry point for sustainable development for poverty reduction and need of holistic development approach. REDP-I was recognized as one of the most effective delivery model in the rural hills of Nepal.

REDP-II

REDP-II is built on the successes and achievements of REDP-I and envisages to replicate the successes in more districts with an additional support of the World Bank. In addition to 15 districts of REDP –I, the programme is implemented in 10 new hills districts namely, Darchula, Bajhang, Doti, Humla, Mugu, Dhading, Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar and Taplejung. Altogether, REDP is functional in 25 districts all over Nepal. The targeted beneficiaries of the programme are foremost men and women of several VDCs of selected hills districts. Government agencies, the local elected bodies (DDCs and VDCs), local NGOs and private sectors all are benefited. Decentralized and participatory decision making process and holistic development approach are two basic pillars of the programme.

Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC), under Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MoEST) is the executing agency for the programme. Programme Management Committeee (PMC) is formulated that comprise of the representatives from National Planning Commission (NPC), Ministry of Local Development (MoLD), District Energy Network (DENET), ADDCN (Association of District Development Committee of Nepal) and National Association of VDCs in Nepal (NAVIN).