A rally of EVs was an attraction
The Nepal Weekly 
April 5, 2022
President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Saturday inaugurated the Himalayan Hydro Expo-2022, a three-day event aimed to boost the viability and capacity of the hydroelectric sector in the country.
“Although what Nepal has achieved in generating hydroelectricity in the past 100 years is not satisfactory, the role (being) played by Nepal’s private sector in developing hydropower sector is remarkable,” Bhandari said, at the inaugural ceremony in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.
As per studies, Nepal can generate 83,000 MW of hydropower – of which 43,000 MW would be commercially viable. Presently, the Himalayan nation produces only 2,100 MW of hydropower, utilising less than 5 per cent of the potential.
At the expo which ends on Monday, close to 100 companies from India and Nepal are showcasing their products and services related to hydropower generation. Themed “creating markets for Nepal’s hydropower”, around 60,000 people are expected to visit the expo.
The event was organised by Independent Power Producers’ Association (IPPAN) and Expo and Event Management Service Private Limited, the organizers.
More than six technical sessions and an interactive session were conducted during the expo being organized with the slogan ‘’Creating Market for Nepali’s Hydropower”.
Power producers, hydropower equipment producers, suppliers, designers, consultants, insurance companies, investors, and bank and financial institutions showcased in more than 100 stalls. Some foreign companies from China, India, Canada, Norway, South Korea, Germany, Australia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Brazil also have participated in showing their products and services needed for hydropower projects.
During the 3 day schedule, a number of interactions and discussions events were held in Bhrikutimandap. Ministers, government authorities, experts and professionals participated in the discussions on the burning issues related to electricity development – generation, distribution and consumption, government policies, implementation methods, private sector engagement, financial provisions, promotion of electric vehicles, promotion of electric cooking were among the subject matters of discussions.
A massive rally of electric vehicles in a bid to promote clean energy in the nation was a part of the 3 day event. The rally was started from Brikutimandap to Pharping Powerhouse, the first ever hydropower generation plant constructed in Nepal in 1911 AD.
The title sponsor of the event, NMB Bank, has also announced vehicle loan in 9.99% interest for electric vehicles amid the event where the government has committed to promote Pharping hydro power as the site of historical tourism, as per the media statement.
