Nepal Gearing Up for Energy Boom: Himalayan Hydro Expo Enters Final Stage, Attracting Foreign Participants
KATHMANDU: Preparations for the fourth edition of the Himalayan Hydro Expo 2024 are in the final stages.
Scheduled for Baisakh 12th, 13th, and 14th (April 24th, 25th, and 26th), the expo is being jointly organized by the Independent Power Producers' Association of Nepal (IPPAN) and Expo & Event Management Services Pvt. Ltd. With just two weeks remaining, the preparations for the event are nearing completion.
Themed "Green Energy for Prosperity," the expo is expected to be inaugurated by President Ram Chandra Paudel. Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation and the Investment Board Nepal, the Indian Embassy is the Country Partner for the Hydro Expo.
The press release issued by IPPAN highlights several key points:
Nepal has signed a long-term agreement with India to export 10,000 MW of electricity over 10 years.
The country has a roadmap to generate 28,500 MW of electricity by 2035.
This expo, taking place just before the 3rd Investment Summit, is crucial for the overall development of the energy sector.
Organized by the private sector, this grand expo aims to translate Nepal's energy potential into economic prosperity and a brighter future. IPPAN expects the expo to be a valuable platform for knowledge and information sharing, focusing on increasing domestic consumption of electricity produced in Nepal and exploring export market opportunities.
Over a dozen countries are confirmed to participate, bringing together representatives from government and non-government organizations involved in energy development, universities and colleges, domestic and foreign investors, donor agencies, diplomatic missions, friendly nations, national and international consulting firms, construction companies, banks and financial institutions, insurance companies, and other stakeholders.
Seven technical sessions and interactive programs will be held, covering diverse aspects of sustainable, inclusive, green, accessible, and impactful energy development. Topics include domestic and foreign investment in energy, resource mobilization and management, public participation, domestic consumption and electricity trade, prosperity and social development, policy and political priorities.
To encourage innovation in hydropower development, competitions will be held for students and individuals to showcase new concepts in hydropower-related products and services. Additionally, a video competition on the theme "Green Energy for Prosperity" (2 minutes) aims to raise awareness among young people about the hydropower sector. Attractive prizes will be awarded to the winners of both competitions.
Promoting Electric Vehicles and Green Practices:
An EV rally will be held on the morning of the expo day to raise public awareness about increasing domestic electricity consumption and promoting the use of eco-friendly vehicles. The rally, starting from the Sky Walk Tower in Kamaladi, will cover approximately 26 kilometers through key locations like the Nepal Electricity Authority, Singha Durbar, Shital Niwas, and Baluwatar, before concluding at the expo venue, Bhrikutimandap. Participation in the rally for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and six-wheelers will be free.
IPPAN also expects the Kathmandu University-developed Green Hydrogen Car and EV Tractor to be a major attraction at the expo.
