In a bid to promote the country’s hydropower sector, Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN) — the umbrella association of private sector developers — is going to jointly organise the ‘Himalayan Hydro Expo’ next year with Event Management Services Pvt Ltd (EMSPL), bringing all the stakeholders under one roof.

The expo will be organised from January 5 to 7 in Exhibition Hall, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo will showcase over 300 stalls from hydropower developers, associated state-of-the-art technology equipment manufacturers and suppliers, investors, banks and construction companies. Amongst these stalls, over 150 stalls will be from international companies.

IPPAN has said that National Planning Commission (NPC) - the apex planning body of the government - will provide patronage for the expo, which will be supported by the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and Nepal - German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Hydropower in Nepal
Total generation: 900 MW
Projects under construction: 3,000 MW
Potential of hydro electricity: 40,000 MW
(economically viable)

Likewise, Nepal Electricity Authority, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Nepal Bankers’ Association, Youth Community for Nepalese Contractors with support from Nepal Tunnelling Association (NTA) and Tunnelling Experts Group have endorsed the expo, as per the organisers.

“The expo will provide a platform for the developers and those interested in the hydropower to establish contact with the financiers, manufacturers, equipment suppliers, engineers and construction contractors, among others,” said Shailendra Guragain, president of IPPAN, adding, “As the event would bring together various parties, it is expected to synergise hydropower development within the country and facilitate the government’s target of producing 17,000 megawatts in the next seven years.”

The organisers have also been discussing with the government to add a stall to inform about the foreign direct investment approval process, taxes and other incentives for the hydropower developers in Nepal. Similarly, NEA will showcase the potential projects and disseminate information about new tariff for peaking run-of-the-river and reservoir projects. The foreign participants will also showcase cutting-edge technologies in tunnelling and other hydro mechanical and electromechanical works.

Delegations from India, China, Germany, South Korea, United States, United Kingdom and Norway will participate in the expo, as per IPPAN.

The expo will also host various competitions for engineering students. The expo will also have stalls disseminating information related to hydropower, as per organisers.