Sustainable operation of micro hydropower projects stressed

KATHMANDU: JAN. 10 – Micro/mini and small hydropower projects are capable of playing a role in the mitigation of climate change impact, experts said highlighting on the sustainability of such projects.

“Thus the government, private sector and community are required to develop suitable institutional infrastructure for the sustainable operation of small-scale hydro projects.”

Joining a discussion session organised on the occasion of the sixth AGM of Nepal Energy Foundation, they said hydropower projects had contributed to the reduction of the use of fossil fuels like diesel and kerosene, also supporting the people’s livelihood efforts and that’s why they were interrelated.

National Planning Commission (NPC) member Prof Dr Surendra Lal Karna was of the view that in the context of Nepal, small and micro hydropower projects were more useful and friendly for the users due to its geographical and economic conditions. The NPC has focused the sustainability of micro hydropower projects by incorporating this in the sustainable development goals and the 15th Periodic Plan as well, according to him.

He drew the attention of bodies concerned towards the rising incidences of natural disasters and other environmental issues for some years in the country. As he said, the cases are consequences of climate change.

AEPC Deputy Executive Director Nawaraj Dhakal, highlighting on the initiatives being done in Nepal for reducing the climate change effects, said the country should be able to reap benefit from the commitment made by the participating countries in the UN Climate Change Summit, the COP 26, for promoting the alternative energy held in Glasgow last December. He pointed out the possibility of Nepal benefiting from carbon trade by registering the small hydropower projects under the clean development mechanism.

Foundation president Mohandas Manandhar urged one and all to hold extensive discussions at several levels on the topic of climate change, its causes and measures of reducing it and to suggest on the ways of minimizing its adverse impact.

Foundation Executive Director Dilli Ghimire suggested increasing the access of the poor communities in energy and emphasizing on renewable energy for reducing the climate change effects. He also shed light on various alternatives of sustainable operation of small hydropower projects in Nepal.

Advocate Dilraj Khanal made a presentation on the various provisions in the existing Acts and laws related to small and microhydel projects and the confusions therein.

A music video to raise public awareness on electricity safety was also released on the occasion.

-RSS