Potential for Belgian Companies in the Nepalese Environmental and Energy

Sector

Dr. S. Helsen

Golden Jubilee Celebration Belgian-Nepal

Brussels, Sept. 4, 2014

• Ecorem Belgian SME founded in 1992• Member of Euronext listed ABO-Group• Environmental Consultancy and Engineering• Tailor-made innovative solutions• Multidisciplinary approach• One-stop shopping• Worldwide, focus on Europe and South Asia• Public and private clients in different sectors

and areas

INTRODUCTION

• Potential of Environmental and Energy Sector for foreign Companies Rather: turning Environmental Problems

into Opportunities

• Issues affecting People, Ecological Systems, etc.– Global Warming: most vulnerable areas of

Himalayas, foothills, Terai• Climate Change Adaptation (protection extreme

floods and droughts, pest outbreaks, agriculture, etc.)

• Climate Change Mitigation (protection forests, renewable energy, energy efficiency, etc.)

CHALLENGES

– Growing population: new needs

•Need for Natural Resources (pressure on water resources, food, etc.)•Need for Sustainable Energy Supply (renewables, grid connection, potential of hydropower, etc.)•Need for Sustainable Land Management (efficient agriculture practices, conservation biodiversity and forests, etc.)•Need for Sustainable Waste Management (source of energy, secondary materials, hazardous waste)•Need for Environmental Pollution Control (air, water, soil) in cities, industry, …•Inter-linkages and relation with health, social and other aspects.

CHALLENGES

• Experience and know-how available on different levels– Research and Development– New applications in Feasibility Studies and Designs– Project preparation for International Financing– Tender and Procurement– Project Implementation (Supplies of Goods, Contracting of Works, …)– Project Management and Monitoring– Project (co)financing– Project Operation– Tailor-made innovative solutions– Training and Capacity Building

• Private Companies, Intermunicipal Organisations, Public Authorities and Agencies, NGOs, etc.

BELGIAN EXPERIENCE

• Few companies and organisations in Nepal

– Mainly in other sectors than environment, energy

– Participants in larger initiatives, e.g. EU SUNYA project in collab. with Municipal Association of Nepal; Community Based Adaptation to Climate Change Conference, …

BELGIAN EXPERIENCE

• Companies more active in other countries in South Asian Region– Mostly in other sectors, such as chemical products, pharmaceutics,

textiles, machinery, precious stones, etc.– Fewer in environmental and energy areas:– India (biomass, waste management, water treatment, mining, port

infrastructure, …)– China (water treatment, soil decontamination, water management, …)– Bangladesh (waste management, clean-tech in brick sector and textiles,

water management, flood protection, …)– Myanmar (hydropower, …)– Sri Lanka (mining, port infrastructure, waste management, water

treatment, …)

BELGIAN EXPERIENCE

• Promotion on opportunities for collaboration and investments– Export agencies: guide Belgian companies in new market– Authorities, administrations, …– Professional sectorial organisations– Funding by IFI’s: less risks for Belgian companies

• Need for stepping stones and examples or pilots

• Sustainable solutions to improve local livelihoods in cities and in rural areas

– Incl. policy reform– Capacity building, awareness raising, …– Project documentation for funding application and procurement, …

Role of Consultants

ACTIONS

CONCLUSION

Thank you for your attention

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