Civil Insight: A Technical Magazine Volume 2 | Page 51

CIVIL INSIGHT 2018
STUDENTS’ SECTION
51
In Nepal, due to steep gradient and mountainous topography, there are a large number of perennial rivers.
Also, the tributaries of three major river systems spread throughout the country and hence suffi cient amount
of hydroelectricity can be generated. The main grid line cannot reach all parts of the country which is the main
reason why only about 40% of the country’s population has access to hydroelectricity. On promoting MHP in
such areas where main grid is not accessible, the people of those areas can get access to electricity and the
use of fuelwood can be decreased. The maintenance cost of these plants is quite low. No EIA is needed for
these plants which is a major advantage.Finding a good site for the installation of a new plant is one of the
main obstacles for the production of energy through MHP plants. The site where the plant is installed must
have suffi cient and direct water fl ow to produce enough hydroelectricity. The climatic conditions also affect
the power production in these plants by varying the water fl ow.
INSTALLATION STATUS OF MICRO HYDROPOWER IN NEPAL
In recent decades, developing countries have understood that MHP schemes play an important role in
the economic development of remote rural areas, specifi cally in the mountainous regions. In 1974, Small
Hydel Development Board (SHDB) was established. The main objective of the establishment of SHDB was
to implement small-scale isolated type hydropower plants up to 5000 kW and supply electric energy to the
surrounding areas of the plant.
Similarly, the MHVP was built upon the national strategy launched through the Rural Energy Development
Program and helped to increase the electricity access through renewable energy sources in rural areas of
Nepal.The MHVE scaled up community level projects with a total capacity of 2.5 to 3.0 MW serving 30,000
new customers and 10 new districts in Nepal.
CHALLENGES FOR MHP IN NEPAL
One of the main obstacles to the development of MHP project in Nepal is its high cost. There is an inconsistency
in the price and quality of construction materials and electro-mechanical equipment in the country.
Some major problems affecting the MHP sector are:
• Low plant capacity factor
• Long breakdown period
• Low effi ciency of the plant
• Absence of mini grid
• Negligence in construction of MHP plants
• Carelessness and ineffi cient operation and management of MHP plants
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded that Nepal, a country rich in water resources, has a very high potential in hydropower.
Currently, different programs like MHVE are used to scale up community level projects and promote micro
hydropower plants in rural areas. Though initial construction cost is high, the maintenance cost is low. Most
of the rural areas have access to perennial rivers. Hence, MHP can be considered as one of the alternatives for
eradicating the power scarcity in rural areas of Nepal.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
“Geography of Nepal.” Wikipedia , Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Nov. 2018. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Geography_of_Nepal
Hydropower in Nepal. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ippan.org.np/HPinNepal.html
Dahal, Shashiram & Shrestha, Rajendra. (2014). Sustainability of Micro-hydropower in Nepal: A case study of
Rukum District.
Bergner, M. (2013). Development of Nepal’s Hydroelectric Resources. University of Virginia.