Power-GIF Field-Level Inception Workshop Held in Birgunj
The consortium of the Powering Nepal's Green Industrial Future (Power-GIF) project successfully organized the Field-Level Inception Workshop on 30 June 2026 at Hotel Siddhartha Diyalo, Birgunj, formally launching field-level implementation of the project in the Birgunj–Simara Industrial Corridor.
Supported by the Government of Norway, the Power-GIF project is being implemented by a consortium led by the Centre for Rural Technology, Nepal (CRT/N) in collaboration with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), the Centre for Energy Studies (CES), and Ambidience Global (AmbGlo). The project aims to promote industrial electrification, clean energy adoption, energy efficiency, and innovative financing mechanisms to support Nepal's transition towards a greener and more competitive industrial economy.
The workshop brought together senior representatives from local governments, line agencies, industries, financial institutions, development partners, and academia, including Mr. Imtiyaj Aalam, Acting Mayor of Birgunj Metropolitan City; Mr. Rajan Poudel, Mayor of Jeetpursimara Sub-Metropolitan City; Ms. Rima Sah, Acting Director General of the Department of Industry, Madhesh Province; Mr. Shambhu Kusiyait Yadav, Madhesh Province Chief of NEA; and Mr. Subash Dhakal, Energy, Climate and Food Security Advisor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Birendra Pandey, President of CNI, emphasized that Nepal's transition to a greener industrial future can only be achieved through collective action and strong partnerships among government agencies, industries, development partners, financial institutions, and academia. He underscored the importance of bringing all stakeholders together to create an enabling ecosystem that promotes sustainable industrial growth and accelerates industrial decarbonization.
A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on "Implementation Challenges and Opportunities in Project Delivery: Stakeholder Perspectives and Way Forward," moderated by Dr. Ghanshyam Ojha, Director General of CNI. The panel featured Mr. Hari Prasad Gautam, President of the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Gajendra Kumar Gupta, President of the Jeetpur Simara City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Dr. Sanjay Prasad Gorkhali, Project Manager of Power-GIF.
The discussion explored opportunities arising from Nepal's growing hydropower generation, increasing interest in green financing, and the potential for industrial electrification to enhance competitiveness and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Panelists also highlighted key implementation challenges, including infrastructure readiness, access to affordable financing, policy and regulatory barriers, limited technical capacity, and the need for stronger coordination among stakeholders.
The workshop concluded with a strong collective commitment from all stakeholders to work together towards advancing industrial electrification, improving energy efficiency, and supporting Nepal's transition to a greener, resilient, and inclusive industrial economy.