Resource Management: Nepal Hydro-Elec (26th April)

Question 1

Describe the location of Nepal:

Answer 1

Nepal is a landlocked country; it is south-west of China, north-east of India. Nepal is located in Asia. It is to the north of the Bay of Bengal.

Question 2

How does Hydro-electric power work?

Answer 2

1. Water flowing is stored in a reservoir (from mountain).
2. When electricity is required, a gate is opened, and the turbine gets turned.
3. This spins electromagnets- makes electricity.
4. This is a renewable way of producing electricity, so it is sustainable.

Question 3

Why does Nepal need these mini-hydro schemes?

Answer 3

Nepal is a mountainous environment, so gas/oil/coal mines/extraction fields aren’t possible. These mini-hydro schemes provide sufficient electricity for the whole of Nepal. They are not as expensive and time-consuming to make as dams; this helps Nepal develop as a country economically, businesses fuelled, and improves overall quality of life, and standard of living.

Question 4

Explain the advantages of using mini-hydro in Nepal for people and the country?

Answer 4

• For the first time, some rural villages in Nepal will have electricity, which will help to improve their standards of living (children can study at night). 2.5 to 3.0 mega watts serving 30,000 new customers and 10 new districts in Nepal.
• It is a type of renewable energy, so won’t damage the environment
• Sustainable, so doesn’t use-up resources needed for future generations
• Produces enough energy for the people of Nepal
• Women and children from communities suffered less from respiratory issues and disease due to having clean water and energy supply. Micro-hydro units remove nearly 10 million kilograms of CO2 each year!!!
• Helps family/people/businesses Nepal economically benefits. Income increased by 11%
• Less dangerous during night time for workers- light means less people get hurt.
• Medication can be stored (fridges), schools get power (light, electricity).
• More employment
• Free electricity, poor families can afford.

Question 5

Explain the disadvantages of the mini-hydro in Nepal for people and the country:

Answer 5

• They can cause visual pollution in the local area as a concrete dam is seen as a blot on the landscape.
• If damage does occur, who will repair.
• Insufficient rainfall, not enough water to turn turbine
• Too much rainfall, too much water turning the turbine, energy surge, overflowing reservoir, flood village.
• Borrowed money means that eventually they have to pay back money earned.
• A lot of earthquakes (tectonically active country)- may cause damage, landslides.
• If damage was to occur, everyone’s power would go away.