Kathmandu, May 14: Chairman of Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), Ganesh Karki, has urged the French businesspersons to invest in Nepal’s hydropower sector.
Addressing the ‘France-Nepal Hydropower Investment Summit’ in the French capital city of Paris, recently, IPPAN Chair Karki said South Asia was facing growing demand of energy, for which production of hydropower in Nepal could be instrumental.
Before 1999, total hydropower potential in Nepal was 250MW which increased to 3500 MW in 25 years. For this to happen, the private sectors have pivotal role, he reminded.
The Chair further shared that France had contributed to the financial management of Upper Trishuli-I Hydropower Project of 216 MW capacity which is under construction in Trishuli River of Nepal. France had provided the financial support of 453 million US dollars along with International Financial Corporation. Once the project concludes and comes in operation, it would significantly contribute to Nepal’s power supply, he explained on the occasion.
Karki further shared that Nepal government had aimed at producing 28,500MW electricity by 2035, for which, Nepal welcomes the foreign direct investment.
“As per plan, Nepal will export 15,000 MW while remaining 13,500 MW will be consumed domestically,” he said, urging the foreign investors to pour in money in Nepal’s hydropower sector. Other sectors for foreign investment are insurance, banking, construction, education, health and infrastructures.
