New IPPAN Chairman Mohan Dangi Unveils Ambitious Plans for Energy Sector

Kathmandu. The newly elected Chairman of the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), Mohan Dangi, has unveiled an ambitious action plan and roadmap for his tenure. Addressing a special program organized in Kathmandu to honor the newly elected executive committee, Chairman Dangi announced that he would prioritize the development of the energy sector, security of investment, and policy certainty.

Chairman Dangi informed that the main slogan for this term has been set as 'Our Energy, Our Future: Security of Investment and Policy Certainty'. He pledged to provide decisive leadership for a prosperous energy sector and stated that the programs mentioned in 'IPPAN Vision 2029' would be implemented verbatim.

Embracing the concept of collective leadership, IPPAN will form seven special committees and sub-committees as needed. Dangi mentioned that these committees will be activated with full authority and agendas. A consultative committee of a maximum of 11 members under the convenorship of the former chairman and a high-level expert advisory committee of 7 to 9 members comprising energy sector experts will be formed.

The expert committee, to be formed under the convenorship of a former secretary of the government, will work on 'Research and Development'. This committee will study laws and regulations hindering development construction, including the Electricity Bill and Forest Bill, and coordinate with the government and parliamentary committees for amendments. Chairman Dangi stated that as some bills being drafted with foreign aid could restrict the private sector, IPPAN itself plans to draft bills and submit them to the government, creating pressure.

To change the negative perception of the energy sector in society and government mechanisms, an energy entrepreneurs' code of conduct will be prepared. To make this sector, in which approximately 70 lakh people have invested, respectable, the code of conduct will be drafted with the advice of experts and approved by the general assembly, informed Chairman Dangi. He also mentioned that a special 'Vision Paper' will be prepared to involve the private sector not only in energy production but also in transmission, distribution, and trade.

With the goal of fully digitizing IPPAN, arrangements will be made for each member to view data through a username and password. Chairman Dangi also reiterated his commitment to starting an online voting process from the next convention. Furthermore, a plan has been put forward to construct its own building to organize the secretariat, and the names of donors who provide land or funds for it will be used to name the buildings and halls.

To brand Nepal's energy sector, a foreign coordination sub-committee will be formed to coordinate with honorary consuls, and international-level conferences will be organized. IPPAN will adopt policies to promote solar energy, green hydrogen, battery storage, and biogas, in addition to hydropower. Chairman Dangi mentioned that regular programs will be conducted to share experiences with investors from neighboring countries India, China, and Bangladesh.

Chairman Dangi clarified that IPPAN is now fully united, ending the ideological differences seen during the elections.