Himalayan Hydro Expo 2024: Boosting Nepal’s ambition to generate 28,500 MW by 2035

KATHMANDU: In a strategic move to contribute to the government’s ambitious plan of generating 28,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity by 2035, the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN) is gearing up to host the fourth edition of the Himalayan Hydro Expo from April 24 to 26, 2024. The event will take place at the Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Centre in Kathmandu.

Addressing the press at a conference, IPPAN President Ganesh Karki emphasized the expo’s goal to foster an investment-friendly environment, inviting foreign investors to participate in the government’s investment expo scheduled for April 2024. This initiative aligns with Nepal’s pursuit of world-class technology to propel the development of hydropower, contributing significantly to the national goal of producing 28,500 MW of electricity by 2035.

The Nepalese government has set an energy development roadmap, aiming to generate 28,500 MW of electricity within the next 12 years. This plan includes consuming 13,500 MW internally and exporting 10,000 MW to India and 5,000 MW to Bangladesh. An agreement between Nepal and India has already been reached, with Nepal committed to exporting 10,000 MW of electricity to India over the next decade.

President Karki highlighted the expo’s role in attracting both domestic and foreign investments to the hydropower sector, stating that the agreement with India would create significant opportunities for Nepal’s energy development. He called for increased investment from banks and financial institutions in the energy sector and urged the government to announce more concessions for energy production.

Stressing the importance of private sector involvement, Karki emphasized that achieving the electricity export goal is impossible without private sector participation. He urged the government to proactively address administrative and procedural challenges to facilitate the growth of the energy sector.

Currently, the installed capacity of hydropower in Nepal stands at 2,910 MW, with around 2,214 MW generated by private sector-run projects. An additional 131 hydropower projects, with a capacity of 3,397 MW, are under construction, while 138 projects, totaling 3,615 MW, are in the financial management stage. Furthermore, 258 projects with a combined capacity of 19,623 MW are in various stages of construction, having obtained licenses.

The Himalayan Hydro Expo 2024 will showcase machinery tools used in hydropower project construction, along with participation from banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, and suppliers of materials such as cement and rods.

The expo will feature seminars and discussions on hydropower, solar, hydrogen, and other relevant topics. Demonstrations will provide information about various hydropower projects, fostering competition in innovative ideas within the energy sector.

International participation is expected to be robust, with companies and stakeholders from countries such as China, India, Canada, Norway, South Korea, Germany, Austria, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Brazil joining the expo. Over 200 stalls are anticipated, with 50% reserved for international participants. Stall bookings have already commenced, creating anticipation for a vibrant and impactful Himalayan Hydro Expo in April 2024.