--- title: "Avoiding Nepal's energy crisis" subject: "Energy Environment and Society" chapter: 2 key: "semester_7/energy_environment_and_society:nepal-energy-crisis-solutions" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/energy_environment_and_society/nepal-energy-crisis-solutions site: BCT Engineering --- # Avoiding Nepal's energy crisis Energy Environment and Society · Chapter 2: Energy Basics - Asked in: 2070 Chaitra, 3 marks; year not given - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/energy_environment_and_society/nepal-energy-crisis-solutions - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/energy_environment_and_society/chapter-2 ## Question How can the energy crisis of our country Nepal be avoided? Describe its potential solutions in short. Which energy source would be a better option for addressing the energy problem in our country? Give your views. ## Short answer Develop hydropower with storage and peaking run-of-river, reduce losses, strengthen cross-border trade, promote AEPC renewables, improve efficiency, electrify cooking and transport, and diversify with storage. Hydropower with solar complement is the best option because Nepal has 83,000 MW potential, clean, low operating cost, proven; solar and biogas suit remote areas. ## Answer Nepal's energy crisis shows up as dependence on imported petroleum, LPG and coal, heavy use of firewood, and (in the past) long load-shedding. The following steps can avoid it. #### Potential solutions 1. **Develop hydropower:** build storage projects (for example Tanahu, 140 MW, and Budhigandaki) and peaking run-of-river (PROR) projects, building on completed plants such as Upper Tamakoshi (456 MW, 2021), with NEA and private investment, to remove the dry-season gap. 2. **Reduce losses:** NEA system losses have been about 15% or less in recent years; lower them further with grid upgrades. 3. **Strengthen grid and trade:** build cross-border transmission lines (Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur and others) to export surplus in the wet season and import when needed. 4. **Promote alternative energy (AEPC):** solar PV, wind, micro-hydro, biogas, improved cookstoves and solar water pumping. 5. **Energy efficiency and conservation:** LED lighting, efficient motors, building codes, demand-side management. 6. **Electrify cooking and transport:** induction stoves and electric vehicles to replace LPG and petrol. 7. **Diversify and store energy:** pumped storage, batteries and biofuels. 8. **Good policy:** clear power purchase agreements, transparent regulation and investment security. #### Better option for Nepal **Hydropower** (with solar as a complement) is the best option. Nepal has about 83,000 MW of theoretical potential (about 42,000 MW feasible); it is clean and renewable, has low operating cost, and is already proven in the country. Run-of-river plants should be supported by reservoir or pumped-storage plants and solar to cover dry-season shortages. Solar and biogas are best for remote areas that the grid cannot easily reach. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. How can hydropower remove the dry-season gap? A. By closing all hydropower plants B. By importing only coal C. By banning electricity export D. By building storage and peaking-run-of-river projects and finishing projects like Upper Tamakoshi Answer: D. Storage and PROR projects supply power in the dry season. (Key point: Hydropower solution) 2. Why build cross-border transmission lines such as Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur? A. To export surplus in the wet season and import when needed B. To stop all trade with India C. To import petroleum by wire D. To increase load-shedding Answer: A. Grid and trade strengthening balances seasonal surplus and shortage. (Key point: Cross-border trade) 3. Which source is the best option for Nepal according to the answer? A. Coal B. Hydropower, with solar as a complement C. Imported petroleum D. Nuclear power Answer: B. Nepal has about 83,000 MW theoretical potential, and hydro is clean, renewable, low-cost and proven. 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