Micro-hydro Nepal case study

Question 1

Energy use in Nepal

Answer 1

• Nepal is a developing country located between China and India
• Landscape is very mountainous
• Population is rural, with onl 16% living in towns or cities
• Low but growing energy demand

Question 2

Energy mix in Nepal

Answer 2

• Main source of energy for 82% of the rural population is fuelwood
• In urban areas, the use of fuelwood is much lower
• Nepal has no oil, gas or coal reserves to exploit
• 98% of the energy in Nepal is generate through hydropower

Question 3

Nepal - sustainable future

Answer 3

• Access to electricity has increased rapidly over the past years
• 93% of the population now have access to energy
• Support from the world bank has led to more investment in hydropower
• There are now 3000 micro-hydro plants in Nepal

Question 4

Ruma Khola micro-hydro Nepal

Answer 4

• Completed in 2009
• Provides electricity for the town of Darbang and 5 neigbouting villages
• It supplies energy for 22 industries
• Built and operated by the community, funded by grants from the government with support from the world bank
• Loans are paid back using money that the community pay for the electricity supply
• Reliance on fuelwood has decreased, which has decreased emissions and deforestation