Civil Insight: A Technical Magazine Volume 2 | Page 62

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INTERVIEW
The government has a goal to produce 15000 MW
in 10 years. However, the question that has arisen
is: will all of it be consumed? Recently, electricity
consumption has increased. We consume 150 kWh
per capita per year, which is paltry compared to
per capita consumption of electricity of developed
countries at 15000 kWh per capita per year.
If we are to produce 15000 MW of electricity, there
needs to be a demand-side marketing as demand
has not been increasing. Contrary to prevalent
economic theories, supply creates demand in the
electricity market. We know everybody depends on
electricity and so we have to increase its demand.
There are no industries to consume such a huge
amount of electricity. If we can assure quality supply
of electricity throughout the year only then will
the industries have a stable resource. There are no
railways or ropeways to consume electricity yet. We
have also promised to go electric within 2030.
To meet the goals, the government plans to use
10,000 MW for domestic use and 5000 MW forthe
market and sell. I believe we will be able to consume
all 15000 MW of electricity here in Nepal. However,
there is also a lot of potential to sell electricity. We
can have transmission of electricity
disregarding borders throughout South
Asia. These types of goals can be
achieved through diplomacy.
There is no problem regarding the
amount of electricity being produced,
but I reiterate that the demand
of electricity should be created by
marketing. However, there are no
transmission lines and government should focus on
constructing stableand ubiquitous transmission lines
for quality power supply.
Q. How important do you think is the role of
Kathmandu University in producing aspiring
civil engineers who have Specialization in
Hydropower? Do you believe that we having
specialized in hydropower have an advantage
in entering the hydropower sector more than
the others?
I believe universities should focus on hydropower,
as there are fewer human resources than there is a
demand for them.
There are benefi ts because a civil engineering
student from KU has the preliminary knowledge
CIVIL INSIGHT 2018
of a hydropower and its component. There is a
comparative advantage too since graduates from
KU do not require much training in hydropower.
and ubiquitous transmission lines for quality power
supply.
Q. What would be the scope of hydropower
engineers in the next 20 years. Would they still
be in demand as today?
I believe there will be no signifi cant change in
demand. Even if it happens, an engineer well trained
in hydropower can easily adapt to other areas in
civil engineering as the concepts are similar. Even if
the market were to become saturated, one has the
opportunity to work abroad.
However, I do not think the market for civil engineers
will be completely saturated. There are always
construction works being done, so there will be no
complete saturation of the market.
Q. What message/advice would you give to
the aspiring future engineers in Hydropower
Development.?
My advice for future engineers is to have an in-
depth knowledge of the fundamental
theories as well as the practical aspects
of this subject. Honing the skills of cost
estimation, drafting and plotting are
essential in this fi eld along with using
software such as CAD and ENVI.
During your internship, fi nd projects
that are in construction phase; this will
expose you to the different aspects of
construction of hydropower.
I would also advise the fi nal year students to serve
the country in your fi eld for at least 3 years then only
opt for a Master’s degree which will greatly aid your
degree as well. If right after your undergraduate
degree, you go for graduate studies and come back
to Nepal searching for a job, you will be treated like
a fresher. Your salary with a master’s degree will
be the same as that of a person with a bachelor’s
degree. Therefore, I strongly recommend putting in
some work experience under your belt before your
masters. I also don’t recommend people to use jobs
as a vehicle for abroad opportunities. Do not leave
your job commitment. It will look bad on your part.
I also recommend having a great report writing
skill as in a company there will be a report about
almost everything. Lastly, I encourage you to balance
knowledge with marks. As marks may get you the
interview but knowledge will guarantee you the job.