Energy In Nepal: Microhydropower ๐ณ๐ต Flashcards
What are the energy opportunities in Nepal?
- hydroelectric power
- solar
- biogas
- small-scale wind turbines
- solar cookers
- MICRO-HYDRO POWER
How does Nepal generate energy currently?
Coal, electricity, renewables, fuel wood, agricultural residue, animal waste
What is the location of Nepal?
Southern Asia
Landlocked between: China, (Tibet), and India
Himalayas
Sits on a tectonic plate boundary
What landscape is needed for micro-hydro power (MHP)?
Hilly, trees, river/stream, vegetation, channel, mountains
Water comes from snowmelt from said mountains
Climate of Nepal?
Seasonal climate (very extreme)
Very snowy, rainy season, hot in summer
Solar power is used often
What is MHP?
type of hydroelectric power that typically produces from 5 kW to 100 kW of electricity using the natural flow of water
Who finances MHP plants in Nepal?
Government (of Nepal) and the World Bank
400 built which provide energy to 500,000 people in Nepal
What is the evidence for Nepalโs development?
LIC
HDI-0.55 (fairly low)
Low energy use - 100kW/h per person annually
Majority of jobs are in primary sector (farming, mining, etc.)
What are some benefits of MHP in Nepal?
- small-scale so no one is displaced or moved from the area
- clean energy source
- water used in plants can be used for other things - not polluted or changed
- produces no pollution
- costs $1,000-$20,000 which is relatively cheap; maintenance fees are small
- small-scale means there are fewer problems with turbines silting up
- minimal impact on environment
- connects very rural, mountainous areas with electricity
- if excess energy is produced, companies will buy it which generates income for villages
What are the problems with MHP in Nepal?
- only people living very close to plant can benefit from electricity
- energy cannot be saved -used straight away
- if streamflow falls, electricity canโt be generated (dry seasons)
- size and flow of small streams may restrict future expansion of site as demand increases
- size of stream fluctuates seasonally (summer=dry)
- stream water is diverted away from portion of stream- could damage local ecology
- maximum capacity and if flow is faster it doesnโt mean more electricity will be produced
- pipe could get covered with vegetation and access is difficult
