This workshop aims to enhance Nepal commercial banks' understanding of inherent financial and technical features of mini-hydropower projects to build their capacity in evaluating mini-hydropower loan proposals. The long-term intended outcome is increased commercial lending for off-grid and community-owned renewable energy systems.

The two-day workshop is a joint activity between Asian Development Bank and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC). It. consists of five sessions that will discuss technical and financial aspects of mini-hydropower projects. On the first day will be a presentation of enabling government policies and programs for developing off-grid renewable energy systems, including subsidies extended by the government. Sessions will discuss components of mini-hydropower facilities, resource assessment, and financial modelling to correlate technical design with costs and projected returns. A case study and financial model learning tool, based on an existing mini-hydropower plant, will be developed to facilitate learning and echoing to peers. 

On the second day will be a discussion on associated risks and the existing instruments and strategies to mitigate these risks. The concluding session will facilitate interaction among banks and five SASEC mini-hydropower project developers who are raising funds. Throughout the workshop, successful mini-hydropower projects will be featured to highlight best practices, innovative business models, as well as challenges in developing and operating off-grid facilities.