Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN) President Ganesh Karki has urged Indian investors to invest in Nepal's hydropower sector.
Speaking at the Nepal-India Energy Conference held in New Delhi on Wednesday (IPPAN) President Karki asked Indian investors to invest in Nepal's hydropower sector, highlighting that the Nepal government has set an ambitious target to generate 28,500 MW of electricity by 2035. It requires an investment of US$ 46.5 billion, according to Karki.
Karki mentioned that Nepal's private sector, which began electricity production only after 2000, now contributes around 2,800 MW (80%) of the total installed capacity of 3,500 MW.
Currently, Nepal and India exchange 1,000 MW of electricity, with plans to increase this to 10,000 MW in the next one decade through long-term agreements. He noted that Indian companies are already developing projects worth 5,000 MW in Nepal, with thousands more MW awaiting investment.
Karki also highlighted Nepal's solar energy potential, with initial studies indicating over 4.32 GW capacity, making it an attractive destination for Indian investors. He expressed Nepal's interest in partnering with major Indian firms like the Adani Group, Tata Power, Jindal Power, GMR Group, SJVN Limited, and NHPC.
IPPAN Vice President Anand Chaudhary added that while 3,500 MW of electricity is currently being produced, projects worth 4,000 MW are under construction, and another 4,100 MW are awaiting Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
Additionally, around 20,000 MW worth of projects are in various study phases, offering lucrative investment opportunities.
Energy Ministry's Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Chiranjeevi Chataut assured that the government is facilitating investments to achieve the 28,500 MW target. He highlighted Nepal's investor-friendly hydropower policies and the operational 400 kV cross-border transmission line with India, with two more under construction, ensuring a strong infrastructure base for power trade.
Chataut urged major Indian investors to capitalize on Nepal's hydropower potential, emphasizing the country's readiness for large-scale energy investments.
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