SWOT analysis of wind power in Nepal

A SWOT analysis lists the internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats of installing wind turbines for electricity in Nepal.

Strengths

• Clean, renewable, no fuel cost, no emissions in operation.
• Good wind sites exist in some valleys and passes (Kagbeni and the Kali Gandaki valley in Mustang, Khumbu, parts of Palpa); SWERA (AEPC, 2008) estimated about 3,000 MW potential.
• Short construction time and modular sizes from small to MW scale.
• Wind is often stronger in the dry season, when run-of-river hydro output is lowest.

Weaknesses

• Wind is highly site-specific and variable in mountain terrain; turbulent valley winds.
• Lack of long-term, reliable wind data and resource maps at hub height.
• Low air density at high altitude reduces output.
• High capital cost per kW for small turbines; spare parts and technicians not available locally.
• Past failures (e.g. Kagbeni 20 kW turbine, 1989) due to poor maintenance.

Opportunities

• Wind–solar–hydro hybrid systems and mini-grids for remote villages not reached by the grid.
• Complements hydro to reduce dry-season deficit and import of power.
• Supply for telecom towers, trekking lodges and tourism.
• Climate finance, carbon credits and donor support; falling global turbine prices.
• Government and AEPC policies favouring renewable energy.

Threats

• Competition from cheaper, established hydropower and solar PV.
• Difficult transport of long blades and towers on narrow mountain roads.
• Extreme weather, icing, landslides and earthquakes damaging structures.
• Weak transmission network near windy sites.
• Policy and tariff uncertainty, low investor confidence.
• Possible impact on birds and visual/tourism concerns in protected areas.