Roles of renewable energy technologies in improving the rural energy situation in Nepal: Gaps and opportunities

• Published in: Energy policy 2013-11, Vol.62, p.1104-1109
• Main Authors: Gurung, Anup, Karki, Rahul, Cho, Ju Sik, Park, Kyung Won, Oh, Sang-Eun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Applied sciences; Biogas; biomass; Clean technology; Developed countries; developing countries; Economic data; Electric energy; Electric power; Electricity; Energy; Energy consumption; Energy crisis; Energy economics; Energy policy; Energy sector; Exact sciences and technology; General, economic and professional studies; Government subsidies; Natural energy; Nepal; Population; Power shortage; primary energy; Renewable energy sources; Renewable resources; Rural areas; Rural population; solar energy; Solar power; Studies; Subsidies; Technology; wind
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2013.06.097

Nepal is one of the least developed countries, with the lowest per capita energy consumption in the world. Traditional solid biomass plays a significant role in meeting the primary energy demand in the country, which represents about 87% of the total primary energy mix. Till date, only 50% of the population has access to electricity, and disparity between the urban and rural areas in terms of access to energy is prevalent. In order to improve the energy situation in rural areas, the Government of Nepal initiated the promotion and development of renewable energy technologies (RETs) through subsidies. Nepal has the potential to generate energy through renewable sources like mini/microhydro schemes, solar power, biogas and wind. It is estimated that more than 50MW of electricity can be generated from the micro hydro schemes, 2100MW from solar and 3000MW from wind. Moreover, the country has the capacity to develop about 1.1 million domestic biogas plants. RETs may provide ample opportunity to improve the vulnerable rural energy system in Nepal if the available renewable resources are optimally utilized. •Traditional fuel constitutes more than 87% of the total energy consumption.•Nevertheless, Nepal has enormous potential of generating electricity from RETs.•More than 50 MW can be generated from micro hydropower schemes.•2100MW from solar and 3000MW from wind.