KATHMANDU: Kathmandu witnessed the inauguration of the Fourth Himalayan Hydro Expo 2024 on Wednesday, a significant event organized by the Independent Energy Producers Association, Nepal (IPPAN). The expo, slated to span three days, kicked off with fervor, marked by a vibrant rally of electric vehicles traversing the city streets.
Embarking from the iconic Sky Tower in Kamaladi, the procession featured over 300 electric vehicles, symbolizing the nation’s stride towards sustainable energy solutions. Spanning a route from Sky Tower to Bhrikutimandap via key thoroughfares like New Baneshwar, Koteshwar, Satdobato, Ekantakuna, Kupandol, and Lainchaur, the rally served as a dynamic prelude to the expo’s broader objectives.
Inaugurating the event, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, underscored the expo’s pivotal role in amplifying the impact of the concurrent investment conference. Minister Basnet articulated a commitment to fostering collaborative efforts between the government and private sector to propel advancements in power generation.
“The Himalayan Hydro Expo 2024 coincides with our investment conference, lending it greater significance,” remarked Minister Basnet. “Given Nepal’s abundant water resources, there’s immense potential for development. We pledge to harness this potential through collaborative endeavors.”
Ganesh Karki, Chairman of IPPAN, shed light on the expo’s overarching objective of catalyzing investment in hydroelectric and clean energy sectors. “Attracting more investment in these sectors is pivotal for Nepal’s economic prosperity and overall development,” expressed Karki.
He further elaborated on the government’s ambitious target of achieving a consumption capacity of 13,000 megawatts by 2035, underscoring the imperative of sustained investment and innovation to realize this vision.
The Fourth Himalayan Hydro Expo 2024 stands as a testament to Nepal’s commitment to sustainable development and harnessing its rich natural resources for the nation’s progress. With a robust agenda encompassing technological showcases, industry forums, and networking opportunities, the expo is poised to chart a course towards a greener, more prosperous future.
As stakeholders converge to explore avenues for collaboration and investment, the expo serves as a crucible for innovation and partnership, laying the groundwork for a sustainable energy landscape in Nepal and beyond.
Managing Dierctor of Expo and Event Management manager, Bijay Sagar Pradhan highlighted the appropriateness of electric vehicles and environment-friendly practices for Nepal due to their contribution to domestic electricity consumption and environmental conservation.