The Independent Power Producers' Association of Nepal (IPPAN) has urged Korean investors to capitalize on Nepal's immense hydropower potential. Addressing the 'Nepal Investor Seminar' in South Korea, IPPAN Chairman Ganesh Karki highlighted Nepal's increasingly favorable investment environment and strong country rating, second only to India in South Asia.

Karki thanked Korean investors for their role in advancing the 216 MW Upper Trishuli 1 Hydropower Project and expressed optimism about further investment to harness Nepal's energy production potential. He also called on Nepalis living in South Korea to consider additional investments in Nepal's energy sector, citing benefits for both the nation and personal financial growth.

Nepal's installed hydropower capacity has reached 3,200 MW, with the private sector contributing about 2,600 MW (80 percent) through 200 projects. An additional 4,000 MW is under construction, while projects of similar capacity await financial closure. Furthermore, 10,000 MW of projects are awaiting Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), and 28,000 MW are in various stages of development.

Karki emphasized that these projects will position Nepal as a clean energy hub in the global market. Currently, Nepal exports 1,000 MW of electricity to India and 40 MW to Bangladesh during the monsoon season, though it imports up to 700 MW from India in winter months. He underscored that Nepal's 6,000 rivers offer a hydropower generation potential of 200,000 MW.

"Nepal offers significant opportunities for foreign investors, especially from Korea," Karki said. "The growing electricity trade within Nepal's regional market highlights the potential for regional energy cooperation, paving the way for Nepal to become a major energy exporter in Asia."

Nepal has set a target of generating 28,500 MW of electricity by 2035—15,000 MW for export and 13,500 MW for domestic consumption. Achieving this target will require an investment of $50 billion in power generation and $8 billion in transmission and distribution infrastructure. Karki emphasized that this goal also presents opportunities for service providers, including consultants, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, designers, bankers, insurers, and reinsurers.

"To meet these ambitious targets, Nepal is not only seeking investors but also welcoming service providers essential to hydropower project development," Karki concluded.