Micro-hydropower Technology in Nepal
Hydropower plants of capacity upto 500 kW are referred to as Micro-hydropower (MH) plants in Nepal.Plants of up to this capacity have been fully de-licensed by Government of Nepal. This technology was introduced in Nepal in early 60s. Recently published Micro-hydro data of Nepal shows that there are 1956 micro-hydro plants capable of generating 13,064 kW of power already installed in Nepal. These figures include Mill-Only Schemes2 or MPPUs2, Peltric Sets2 and all other type of plants. Mill-Only Schemes2, add-onSchemes2 and Stand-alone Schemes are the three broad categories of MH schemes according to the use/purpose of the MH plant. There is a considerable capability in project survey / design and manufacturing / installation of Micro-hydro related parts and micro-hydro projects in Nepal. Now there are a number of MH manufacturing and installation companies, consultancy firms and NGOs working in MH sector in Nepal.
Government Policy in MH in Nepal
Now there is AEPC, a government organisation working for the promotion of new and renewable forms of energy in the country. AEPC is promoting micro-hydro by providing technical support through MGSP for different steps of project development like social mobilisation project cycle and end-use2 development. Also there is provision of financial subsidy according to the new Subsidy Policy and Delivery Mechanism. Loan financing for those projects is available through commercial banks. A separate body called REF of AEPC administers subsidy. MH projects are characterized by their relatively low capital investment, short construction periods, existence of potential and indigenous manufacturing capability, simple operation, government incentives (loan and subsidy) and involvement and interest of many international agencies.
Achievements
So far by endof July 2005, the programme has been successful in mobilising communities and entrepreneurs to install numerous numbers of micro hydro. Detail of micro hydro at the various level of project cycle can be found in project programm status which is more frequently updated. In summary by July 2005:
Last Updated: Nov 2006 |
