KATHMANDU: Energy sector entrepreneurs have emphasized that with a conducive environment created by the government, it is feasible to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity within the next 10 years.
During an interaction program held in Kathmandu on Sunday, these entrepreneurs expressed their belief that achieving the target of producing 10,000 megawatts of electricity in the next decade is possible if the investments in Nepal’s hydropower sector are safeguarded.
Mohan Dangi, the Senior Vice President of the Independent Power Producers’ Association (IPPAN), highlighted the significance of water resources as the primary foundation for the country’s development and prosperity. He stressed that Nepal has vast potential in water resources, and there are lucrative markets in neighboring countries such as India and Bangladesh.
Dangi suggested that achieving this goal is contingent upon providing assurance to the private sector regarding the security of investments in Nepal’s hydropower sector. He insisted that the government must foster an environment conducive to the private sector, particularly for power projects with capacities ranging from 22,000 to 23,000 megawatts, which currently await Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) or already have them in place, involving private sector participation.
Similarly, energy entrepreneur Gyanendralal Pradhan remarked that the government lacks sensitivity to the development and well-being of the people. He emphasized the importance of the electricity trade agreement with India for Nepal’s prosperity and development and called for increased encouragement of private sector involvement in such agreements.
Comment