Title: Rural electrification through renewable energy in Nepal

Authors: M. B. Basnyat

Addresses: Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), Dhobighat, Lalitpur, P.O. Box 14237, Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract: Nepal is rich in hydropower. However, due to various constraints the rural sector of Nepal is still deprived of a national electrical grid. Renewable energy resources are the most viable and accessible sources to electrify these rural sectors. Micro-hydro and solar photovoltaics (PV) are widely used renewable energies for rural electrification. Presently, this source provides electricity to only 7% of the rural population. The 10th Five-Year Plan sets a target of generating electricity equivalent to 10 MW from micro-hydro schemes and access to off-grid electrification for 12% of the then population. Different government organisations, non-government organisations, international non-government organisations and private institutions are involved in enhancing this sector. The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), Energy Sector Assistance Programme-DANIDA and Rural Energy Development Programme (REDP/UNDP) can be regarded as the apex institutions for the support of this sector.

Keywords: electrification; renewable energy; rural; micro-hydro; solar power; solar energy; photovoltaic; Nepal; alternative energy.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2004.004857

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2004 Vol.1 No.1, pp.74 - 80

Published online: 07 Jul 2004 *

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