Urja Khabar
Kathmandu; One month remains for the 4th edition of the Himalayan Hydro Expo, and already 50 percent of the stalls have been booked. The Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), and Expo and Event Management Services have jointly started preparations to organize the expo on April 24, 25 and 26. With the slogan 'Green Energy for Prosperity,' more than 200 stalls have been allocated for the expo, and the IPPAN's chairman Ganesh Karki has proposed to book the remaining stalls.
IPPAN has been organizing expos since 2074 with the goal of developing energy and hydropower by bringing together energy producers, construction material suppliers, consultants, contractors, and distributors under one roof. With the theme 'Green Energy for Prosperity,' the fourth edition of the expo has commenced without slogans. IPPAN has expressed the expectation of active participation from approximately 50% domestic companies and 50% foreign companies in the energy sector.
There are many companies currently working in the energy sector in Nepal,’ Karki said, ‘Moreover, in this expo, assistance will be sought from banks and financial institutions to participate in hydropower project construction, from pipes and cement to banks and financial institutions.’ He also mentioned that in the same proportion as stall bookings, all companies interested in stall allocation may face scarcity. He stated that as the market for electricity in Nepal is currently assured, this expo is crucial for attracting investment in Nepal's energy sector.
The Government of Nepal (GoN) aims to produce 28,500 MW of electricity by 2035, with the objective of exporting 15,000 MW of it. He said, 'For this, an investment of 4.6 trillion NPR is estimated to be necessary. There is a need to bring in around 500 billion investment annually.' This expo can play a supportive role to manage such a huge investment. He also mentioned that the expo will support increasing investment commitment in the investment conference scheduled by the government on the 28th and 29th of April.
The first edition of the expo was held in Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, from January 5th to 7th, 2018, while the second edition took place from January 18 to 20, 2019. In these two expos, companies from countries like China, India, Austria, Korea, Sweden, Germany, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, and others participated, including producers, investors, and stakeholders. Although the previous editions had around 85 to 100 stalls, this time it is estimated that the number of stalls will double.
According to the organizers, the expo will witness the presence of government and non-governmental bodies involved in energy development, universities and colleges, domestic and foreign investment companies, donor agencies, financial analysts, neighbouring country, national and international consultancy firms, construction companies, banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, eminent personalities, scholars, and experts, among others.
Similarly, in-depth, inclusive, sustainable, and profitable energy development will be the focus of seven technical sessions and interactive programs organized on various aspects related to energy. These will cover topics such as domestic and foreign investment, capital mobilization and management, community participation, domestic consumption and electricity trade, prosperity and social development, as well as the prioritization of policies and politics.
IPPAN has announced the participation of companies and stakeholders from countries such as China, India, Canada, Norway, South Korea, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and others in the expo. The expo aims to serve as a knowledge hub for investors, producers, engineers, and enthusiasts in the hydropower sector. It is expected that more than 50,000 attendees will explore over three days.
