Deal signed with Korean company for big solar energy project

KATHMANDU, Sept 7: A private Korean company has signed a deal with a Nepali company to generate 10-42 megawatt solar energy in three districts of Nepal within a year. If the project materializes, it would be the first large scale solar power project in Nepal.



As per the deal between Dhudkoshi Power Company (DPC) and IIAN Take Company Limited of Korea, the solar power would be generated in Jhapa, Kavre and Khotang districts, initially. [break]



According to Ram Bahadur Lama, president of DPC, as soon as the feasibility study of the project is completed, the actual work will begin. “Feasibility study will take 6 months at the maximum and the work would be started without delay. Even just 10 megawatt of energy is sufficient for two districts. We will try to generate as much energy as possible,” he said.



Lama added that once the feasibility study is over, the company would seek a joint venture with the government, while the Korean investors would only provide the needed amount. “They will get the benefit as per the government law,” Lama said.



The Korean company has already invested in similar projects in 30 other nations, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, before coming to Nepal.

Meanwhile, Dr Govind Pokhrel, president of Alternative Energy Promotion Center, it is very important to attract national and foreign investments for the alternative energy. But more important is the policy of the government.



“In view of the growing power crisis Nepalis are facing, the government cannot overlook the option of alternative energy. Whatever it is doing so far is appreciable, but it has to be done on a very large scale,” he said.

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