Nepal is a country with abundant natural resources, particularly water, solar, and wind energy. Despite this potential, the country faces significant energy challenges that affect households, industries, and overall economic development.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- Nepal has huge potential of hydropower about 83,000 MW but less than 2% is currently produced and used.
Understanding the energy situation in Nepal requires examining the sources, consumption patterns, and challenges in the sector.
1. Energy Sources in Nepal
a) Hydropower
- Nepal has an estimated 83,000 MW of theoretical hydropower potential, with about 42,000 MW considered economically feasible.
- Hydropower is the primary source of electricity in the country, supplying both domestic and industrial needs.
- Seasonal variations and reliance on rivers make energy generation variable and dependent on monsoon cycles.
b) Fossil Fuels
- Nepal lacks significant fossil fuel reserves and imports petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, and LPG for transportation, industries, and cooking.
- Dependence on imports increases the trade deficit and exposes the country to global fuel price fluctuations.
c) Renewable Energy
- Nepal has potential for solar, wind, and biomass energy.
- Solar energy is increasingly being adopted in rural areas for household electrification.
- Biomass (firewood, agricultural residues) remains widely used in rural households, though it is inefficient and environmentally unsustainable.