the state of power in a maoist state nepal’s micro-hydro development

The State of Power in a Maoist State

Nepal’s Micro-Hydro development

Nepal Energy Stats

• 45,000MW economically feasible hydro potential• 640MW current generation

– Actual 320MW due to operation problems• Demand 720MW > blackout 16 hours/day

– Business standstill– Liquid political period > Interim Plan for 2008-11– Become a model of sustainability

• Interim Plan and MDGs– Reach 55% electrification by 2011– Transmission difficult/costly to remote areas– 1/3rd generation must be off grid

What’s Happening?

• Microhydro <100KW• Exquisite example of modern/ancient engineering• Potential anywhere there is plentiful water and hills • Utilise kinetic energy of water falling from a height (head)

Power = efficiency x fluid density x gravity x head x volume flow rateP(W) = η(~0.5)ρ(1000)g(9.81)hQMedium to high head > 15m

• Low environmental impact, often positive– No need for large dams

• Sustainable and locally sourced materials• Reliable and low maintenance

Microhydro solutionOutput: 100KWVillage: WamitaksarDistrict: Gulmi

Microhydro components

Microhydro components

Forebay

Penstock

Powerhouse

Spillway

Canal

Weir

Tailrace

Microhydro components

Powerhouse

Spillway

Canal

Weir

Forebay

Tailrace

Penstock

Management

• Central>District>Village development

Government of NepalAlternative Energy Promotion Centre AEPC

Energy Sector Assistance Programme ESAP

Rural Economic Development Agency REDARural Energy Development Project REDP

Community

ContractorConsultant Manufacturer Installer

Installation Stats• 10MW supporting 100,000 homes

– Agriprocessing• Huller/grinder/press

– Lighting• Education

– Manufacturing• Saw mills/sewing machines

– Pumping• Irrigation• Clean water

– Entertainment• Radio/internet

• ~ £1000/KW installed– ~50% grant from government– Rest from bank/developer/local tariff

• 2 year project cycle• Locally sourced materials• Civil works by community

– Ownership

Benefits

• Education

• New business

• Time management

• Community cohesion

• Farming efficiency

• Health improvements

Social

EconomicEnvironmental

TripleBottom

Line

Observed Issues

• Sweat Labour

• Health and Safety

Achievable Improvements

• Site/construction monitoring– Working hours– Labour w/age

• Safety Equipment– Dust masks– Eye protection– Gloves– Steel toecaps

• Maintenance monitoring

Conclusions

• Micro hydro has great potential to improve living conditions

• Need to address working conditions• Input from UK engineers

– Cultural exchange– Knowledge sharing

• Nepal contact– www.redanepal.org

Office reda_plp@ntc.net.np

Lila Kharki (Exec) lilakarkiss@yahoo.comJeevan Kunwar (BD) jeevan_kunwar@yahoo.com