Nepal explores diesel to address power outages

REGULATION | Nepal explores diesel to address power outages

Nepal plans to install diesel-run generators after declaring a national power crisis. According to BBC, the proposed installation of generators that will run on diesel is part of Nepal’s emergency work plan. This aims to address the country’s frequent 16-hour power outages. Nepal, known for its hydropower, is now considering other options as demand continues to surpass supply.

Businesses have also started installing diesel-powered generators to counter the effects of the power outages. Both the private manufacturing sector and the government want more companies to follow suit. Anup Upadhyay, joint secretary of the Water Resources Ministry, said approximately 30 MW may be added to the national grid through the installation of these generators in private factories.

The move towards the use of fossil fuel to generate electricity is being undertaken despite Nepal’s immense hydropower potential. The dry season and the high cost of hydropower development are factors affecting Nepal’s dependence on hydro-plants, among others.

Importing generation plants from China is also one of the options being looked at, according to the Water Resources Ministry. Upadhyay said, “What is important is we will have to get thermal plants to immediately address the load shedding, it's a compulsion."