'Invest in Nepal's Hydropower; GON will support every step of the way'

I'm pleased to share the success story of the Arun-3 Hydropower Project—this is not just a concept but a testament to practical experience. As of now, our project has achieved 74% completion, a significant milestone considering we began work before the pandemic in end of 2018. Despite encountering challenges with local communities at the project site, we persevered with the invaluable support of the Nepalese government.

During our journey, we faced obstacles that made us question the project's feasibility. However, reaching out to the government, particularly the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's tenure, was reassuring. The government promptly addressed our concerns, prioritizing the security and safety of our teams and enabling us to make substantial progress.

Subsequently, under Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, we continued to receive crucial support. Prime Minister Dahal, in particular, demonstrated a keen interest in our project's progress and challenges, noting them diligently. The responsiveness of the Nepalese government has instilled confidence in us. Following the success of Arun 3, we are delighted to announce our readiness to invest in two additional hydro projects, Arun-4 (495 MW) and Lower Arun (669 MW), Lower Arun scheduled for construction this year.

Our interactions with government officials have been remarkably efficient. A simple call detailing our concerns leads to swift action, with district officers and relevant stakeholders convening promptly to resolve issues. This proactive approach reflects Nepal's commitment to fostering an investment-friendly environment.

Furthermore, the One-Window Policy by the Office of the Investment Board Nepal (OIBN) since 2011 has streamlined processes significantly. Over the past few years, we have experienced invaluable support from various ministries, facilitating our investment journey.

Looking ahead, we, as Indian companies, are enthusiastic about further investments in Nepal's green hydrogen sector. The recent authorization by the Indian government for SJVN to spearhead a pilot green hydrogen project in Nepal underscores our mutual commitment to sustainable energy initiatives.

To potential investors, I assure you that Nepal is ripe for investment, with unwavering support from the government and OIBN across all sectors. Should you choose to invest here, expect nothing short of comprehensive assistance and cooperation. Let's continue this journey of growth and collaboration, propelling Nepal's energy landscape towards a sustainable regional future.

This opinion is an edited excerpt from the views expressed by Dhiman, Chief Executive Officer of SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company Pvt. Ltd., which is developing the 900 MW Arun-3 hydropower project, at the Nepal Investment Summit, 2024.