Kathmandu, January 4

With the annual demand for energy rising between seven to nine per cent, Nepal is kicking off the year 2018 eyeing to unleash the country's massive hydropower potential - to explore wonderful opportunities in the sector for investors, partners, professionals, researchers and other interested people.

In this regard, the ‘Himalayan Hydro Expo' is kicking off in the Capital from Friday with an aim to bring all concerned stakeholders under one roof.

Jointly organised by the Independent Power Producers' Association Nepal (IPPAN) - the umbrella association of private sector developers - and Event Management Services, the three-day expo is being held at the Exhibition Hall, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.

Hydropower developers, manufacturers and suppliers of the associated state-of-the-art technology equipment, investors, banks and construction companies will be showcasing their products and services through 100 stalls. According to the organisers, international participants will be displaying their products and services through 50 stalls.

The organisers claim that the expo will also turn out to be a ‘milestone event' to explore additional opportunities as to how to build hydro projects in Nepal at an affordable cost as per the availability of high volume water, best project sites in the rocky hills, gorges and the millions of youths to be attracted for employment.

IPPAN has said that Nepal government - National Planning Commission, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Population and Environment - is providing patronage for the expo.

Voith Hydro is the title sponsor, while CMC Di Ravenna is the platinum sponsor of the event. The co-sponsors include Flovel Energy, Crystal Electric, Hunan Allonward Hydro Generating Equipment Co, Nepal Ekarat Engineering Co, Epiroc Mining, Mansiri Trading and Nepal Re-insurance.

Likewise, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Nepal Bankers' Association, Youth Community for Nepalese Contractors and Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Co Ltd have endorsed the expo, as per the organisers.

Hotel Annapurna, NMB Bank and Nepal Shipping and Air Logistics Ltd are the official partners in the expo that is being managed by Event Solution Pvt Ltd.

Delegations from India, China, Austria, Czech Republic and Norway are participating in the expo that is scheduled to be inaugurated by President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

The expo will also host various competitions for engineering students from SouthWestern Business College, Kathmandu University, The Times International College and Khowpa Engineering College.

Moreover, different issues on hydropower sector will be discussed in a seminar on the sidelines of the expo. The organisers are expecting a footfall of over 50,000 during the three-day mega event.