Alternative energy gaining grounds

POKHARA, Jan 4: Western region of the country has taken to alternative energy in a big way at a time when the country is grappling with excessive load-shedding hours. [break]



Technicians working here say use of energy from small hydroelectricity projects, biogas and solar power and use of improved stove have been rapidly increasing every year with alternative energy providing 15% of total power supply in 16 districts of the region.



Sixteen alternative energy programs are in operation in 16 districts of the region with Alternative Energy Promotion Center running nine of them and Rural Energy Development Program the rest seven.



Technical Officer at the Energy and Environment Branch, Tanahun, Chiranjibi Bhattarai said around 14,000 biogas plants have been installed in Tanahun alone, the largest in any district in the region. Similarly, more than 10,000 households have benefited from small hydroelectricity projects.



Bhattarai said around two megawatt energy is being produced from small hydroelectricity projects and 16,000 biogas plants have been installed in the region. “We have plan to construct 5,000 more biogas plants in Tanahun this year as part of making Tanahun free from open defecation. Similarly, small hydroelectricity projects generating 500 KW of power are being constructed in the region,” Bhattarai added.



Bhattarai also said Baidi VDC in Tanahun will be developed as a model energy village by taking alternative energy to its every household within this year. “Villagers in Baidi do not have to bear the brunt of load-shedding like others elsewhere,” Bhattarai stated.



Bhattarai said feasibility study on wind energy is also being carried out in Mustang district. “We have even started homework to move technically forward as there is strong possibility of wind energy in Mustang,” Bhattarai said.



Local Development Officer (LDO) of Tanahun Hari Prasad Dahal said locals have taken alternative energy in a positive way and have realized its importance.



The Rural Energy Development Program initiated in 1996 has been expanded to 40 districts across the country now with seven in Far West, nine in Mid West, seven in Western, eight in Central and nine in Eastern regions.

Related story

Private sector role important in expansion of alternative energ...