KATHMANDU: IPPAN, the Independent Power Producers' Association, has initiated the establishment of policy research and land acquisition and construction funds. The objective behind this initiative is to elevate IPPAN's status as a 'think tank' by engaging in research activities and conducting its operations from a dedicated building. Narendra Ballabh Pant, the treasurer of IPPAN, highlighted that these two distinct funds were formally established following the decision passed during IPPAN's 22nd General Assembly in Kathmandu.

The newly established funds aim to facilitate the collection of essential data, information, and national/international standards in the relevant field in an organized manner. IPPAN intends to mobilize a separate process for each fund, targeting the collection of Rs 30 million. The envisioned funds will be sourced from energy promotion companies, various national and international institutions, and bodies to support studies, research, and academic endeavors related to the energy sector.

IPPAN envisions providing comprehensive insights into the energy sector, covering aspects such as its impact on GDP, investment from financial institutions, employment generation, public investments in energy projects, and challenges faced in ongoing and completed projects. The association plans to disseminate this information widely for public awareness and engagement.

During the general assembly, former Energy Secretary Suman Sharma pledged a donation of Rs 200,000, supplementing it with an additional Rs 100,000 received from Urja Jyoti Samman. Similarly, IPPAN member Tek Nath Acharya pledged Rs 100,000 on behalf of Vision Energy, allocating another Rs 100,000 towards the building fund.

Treasurer Pant outlined the establishment of a separate procedure and a building construction committee for the land acquisition and construction fund. This fund aims to facilitate the construction of a dedicated building within a five-year timeframe by procuring land. Pant emphasized that the decision to establish these funds was motivated by the significance of investments in the energy sector, government prioritization, strategic objectives, and the necessity for a dedicated building to support IPPAN's endeavors.