KATHMANDU: Ganesh Karki, Chairman of the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal (IPPAN), has called on South Korean investors to invest in Nepal’s hydropower sector.
Speaking at the ‘Nepal Investor Seminar’ in South Korea, Karki highlighted Nepal’s favorable investment environment and strong country rating in South Asia, second only to India.
Karki thanked South Korea for its ongoing investment in Nepal’s hydropower, particularly for supporting the 216 MW Upper Trishuli 1 Hydropower Project. He encouraged further investments to harness Nepal’s vast energy potential and urged Nepalis living in South Korea to invest in the energy sector for mutual benefit.
Nepal currently generates 3,200 MW of electricity, with 80% produced by the private sector. An additional 4,000 MW worth of projects are under construction, while 10,000 MW are awaiting power purchase agreements and 28,000 MW are in various planning stages.
Karki said that Nepal has the potential to generate 200,000 MW from its rivers.
Nepal exports 1,000 MW to India and 40 MW to Bangladesh during the rainy season but imports up to 700 MW in winter.
Nepal aims to produce 28,500 MW by 2035, with plans to export 15,000 MW and use 13,500 MW domestically. However, to achieving this target, Nepal will require USD 50 billion for power generation and USD 8 billion for infrastructure.
Karki said that alongside investors, there are opportunities for service providers such as consultants, equipment suppliers, and insurers to participate in Nepal’s growing hydropower industry.
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