Project Description:
This project deals with the development and installation of micro-hydro power plants ranging from 5 to 500 kW with a cumulative capacity up to 15MW and is being promoted by the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) under the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MOEST) of Government of Nepal (GoN). The implementation of these micro-hydro plants are being done through two of AEPC’s projects namely; Rural Energy Development Program (REDP) and Minigrid Support Program (MGSP) of Energy Sector Assistance Program (ESAP).
In Nepal Micro-hydro has been defined as hydro power plants which have a capacity ranging from 5-500 kW. Micro hydro plant generates electricity by using the energy available in the falling water. Therefore the major parameters of a Micro-hydro will be the availability of head drop and water flow at the site; this will determine the size of the plant to be installed. Size of individual plants will indicate the total number of plants needed to reach the target of 15 MW to make this project into a Small Scale CDM Activity.
Contribution to Sustainable Development:
Off- grid power generated by MHPs provide a large number of rural households with electricity and power for lighting, milling and other needs. Such off-grid renewable energy systems not only help in poverty alleviation but also have direct local environmental benefits such as:
- Reduction in diesel consumption by replacing use of diesel power with electric agro-processing mills and household lighting.
- Reduction in use of dry cells used to operate radio, and torchlight (Flashlights), leading to reduced chemical pollution of the local environment and also reducing the heath hazard resulting from the exposure and contact with these chemicals.
- Reduction in pollution from Lead Acid Cell Battery, with proper electric supply households need not purchase a battery to supply electricity for lighting. Therefore charging practices will be eliminated hence eliminating the need for continuous transport of wet lead acid batteries from houses to charging stations.
Aside from environment benefit the MHP will benefit other areas of the Sustainable Development Agenda such as:
- Plants constructed under the project will be managed and operated by the community, institutions or private entrepreneurs leading to local empowerment.
- Adequate training for operation, repair and maintenance will be provided to the people for the smooth operation of plant, which will enhance the skill set of local people.
- Electrical end-use enterprises will be supported to increase plant factor which will lead to different opportunities for self employment at the local level.
- The market of MHP components will flourish due to a large number of installations increasing the number of local manufacturers, suppliers and installers whereby creating jobs for many and at the same time help to lower the cost of MHP components due to a competitive market mechanism.
