Poverty Amidst Plenty: Renewable Energy-Based Mini-Grid Electrification in Nepal

摘要: Providing access to electricity a large section of rural population in Nepal has traditionally been challenging exercise. This exacerbated by difficult geography, poor-socio-economic profile and moreover the on-going energy crisis. chapter conducts an objective assessment renewable energy-based off-grid sector Nepal, with specific focus on micro-hydro-based mini-grid systems applying mixed method research design built both qualitative quantitative techniques. While country’s experiences developing micro-hydro- solar interventions are captured analysis, standard techno-economic analysis micro-hydro project is conducted explore possibility introducing additional productive loads examine cost efficacy generating from vis-a-vis solar. Assessment electrification options reveals that despite visible progresses, there still exist multiple roadblocks scale up. Absence clearly spelt out policy goals, weak institutional designs, low load factors, lack adequate finance overall regulatory concerns stand as major obstacles for development country. In addition, project-specific loses cost-effective option compared micro-hydro. But optimal use generated mini-grids requires creation applications at local sustainable basis.