the state of power in a maoist state nepal’s micro-hydro development
TRANSCRIPT
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 [email protected]
Lila Kharki (Exec) [email protected] Kunwar (BD) [email protected]