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This paper studies the potentials of green hydrogen production from hydropower energy and its application in electricity regeneration and replacement of petroleum products from the transportation sector in Nepal. The potential surplus hydroelectric energy, and hydrogen production potential from the surplus energy considering different scenarios, is forecasted for the study period (2022–2030). The results showed that hydrogen production potential ranges from 63,072 tons to 3,153,360 tons with the utilization of surplus energy at 20% and 100% respectively, in 2030. The economic analysis of hydrogen from hydropower projects that electricity is valued based on per kg of hydrogen when the surplus electricity is provided at feasible lower price values compared to the US $1.17. This study concludes that hydrogen production from spilled hydro energy and its use in the transportation sector and independent electricity generation is a niche opportunity to lead the country towards sustainable energy solutions and an economy running on hydrogen. • Methodological study for quantification of excess hydropower and hydrogen production. • Cost projections scenarios from green hydrogen from surplus hydropower electricity. • Identification of role of green hydrogen in multiple end-use areas of developing nation. • Potential replacement of conventional fuel with hydrogen in transportation sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyze the effects of biogas and electricity based cooking on energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) as well as local air pollutant emissions during 2010–2050 in the case of Nepal, which is highly dependent on traditional biomass (mainly fuelwood) for cooking. The country is rich in hydropower resources. A long-term bottom-up energy system model has been developed using Asia-Pacific Integrated Model/Enduse (AIM/Enduse) model for the analysis. The study developed a business as usual (BAU) scenario and three alternative cooking scenarios. Three alternative scenarios, named as "CL", "CM" and "CH" scenarios; consider low, medium and high level of penetrations of electric- and biogas-based cooking options, respectively. The changes in energy use and electricity generation in the BAU and alternative scenarios have been compared. Fuelwood consumption in the residential sector in 2050 when compared to the BAU would decrease by 12.5% in CL, 19.0% in CM and 24.2% in CH scenarios; and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption would decrease by 12.8% in CL, 16.3% in CM and 19.6% in CH scenarios. The electricity generation requirement in 2050 would increase by 9.4% in CL, 13.9% in CM and 17.0% in CH scenarios. Finally, the assessment of GHG and local pollutant emissions shows the decrease in all gases in CL, CM and CH scenarios when compared to the BAU. • The implications of biogas and electricity based cooking has been assessed in Nepal. • A bottom-up energy system model (AIM/Enduse) has been used for the analysis. • Fuelwood and LPG consumption in residential sector would decrease significantly. • Hydropower generation will have more promising role in Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Worldwide, the demand for energy has increased significantly in last two decades, leading to an increased use of non-renewable energy resources. The global agenda aims to reduce the carbon intensity of energy in long-term climate change mitigation strategies, and to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG-7) on affordable and clean energy. Use of renewable energy (RE) can contribute to reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while providing incremental financial resources to stimulate clean development mechanisms. Hydropower continues to be the leading RE option and has the additional benefits of water storage for agriculture and other uses. Drawing on the position of four Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) countries – Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan – this paper investigates the current status of hydropower generation and related policies, and attempts to identify the key challenges to and opportunities for hydropower development in the region. Collectively, four HKH countries have commercially feasible hydropower potential of nearly 190 GW. However, only one-third of this potential has actually been tapped so far. Nepal and Pakistan have tapped 2% and 12%, respectively, of their hydropower potential. The current hydropower supply has not been able to fulfill the electricity demand in the region, where 26–37% of the rural population is living without access to electricity, and future demand for electricity is likely to increase sharply. There are several economic, social, technical, environmental, ecological and political challenges to hydropower production in the HKH countries. Despite these challenges, hydropower remains an important option for achieving renewable energy goals in the region. To achieve these goals, we suggest capitalizing on emerging opportunities such as large hydropower development using a 'smart approach', micro-hydropower promotion, energy trade, and regional cooperation for collective energy development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy is indispensible in modern society and is one of the most important components of socio-economic development. Nepal is one of the least developed countries with more than 80% of its population residing in rural communities. Per capita energy usage – often viewed as a key index of the development – in the country is far less than the global average per capita energy usage. The energy sector is dominated by the traditional energy sources such as fuel woods, crop residues and animal dung mainly for domestic usage contributing to about 86% of the national energy consumption. Currently 40% of the population has access to electricity, and the rural electrification accounts for only 29%. The majority of rural populations are meeting their energy needs by burning biomass in traditional stoves which has several environmental and public health issues. Nearly all fossil-derived fuels consumed in the country are imported in a refined form, and the perpetual increase in petroleum imports has adversely impacted the existing fragile economy of the country. Despite a huge potential in harnessing various renewable energy resources such as hydropower, solar power, wind energy and biofuels/bioenergy, these resources have not been sustainably captured due to geographical, technical, political and economical reasons. This paper presents a brief account of Nepal''s renewable energy resources and the current status of various renewable energy technologies (RETs) such as micro-hydro, solar power, wind energy, biofuel/bioenergy, improved cook stoves, and improved water mill. It also highlights the opportunities and barriers for the development of RETs. Finally this paper presents some recommendations for the promotion, development and implementation of RETs in the country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of a 100 year history of hydropower in Nepal. The importance of hydropower in Nepal is highlighted and major issues that the country has to consider for the development of hydropower have been analysed in detail. It is the only resource available to generate electricity, both for large export projects and small village mini grid projects in almost any part of the country. The challenges of demand and supply fluctuations, mainly due to the seasonal fluctuation of river discharges, are also described. An analysis of river flow trends shows that the impact of river flow has to be analysed river by river, as the trends are not consistent throughout the country. The social and organisational issues and their relationship with the political stability in the country have also been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Interventions to increase benefits from energy-food-water-environment systems can involve changing infrastructure configurations and/or operational rules. In a context of complexity due to interdependencies and uncertainty, resource system intervention appraisal should consider multiple facets of system performance and a variety of plausible future conditions to achieve robust systems that balance multiple stakeholder definitions of acceptable performance. This paper proposes a novel multi-method decision-making under deep uncertainty approach to hydropower system design. The most efficient and robust designs are identified; those that maximize benefits and balance stakeholder interests despite uncertainty. It is applicable in any context where efficient and robust future hydropower systems are sought. The proposed approach is demonstrated in Nepal, showing the robustness benefits of diversified infrastructure systems; here the mixed development of both storage and run-of-river dams. Stress testing of a selected efficient and robust hydropower investment bundle reveals that institutional or financial uncertainties can most threaten the viability of assets, even when significant climate change is anticipated. • Multi-method hydropower portfolio screening approach is proposed and demonstrated. • Diverse performance metrics and physical/institutional uncertainties considered. • Efficient and robust portfolios filtered before stress-testing for vulnerabilities. • Diversified hydropower portfolios can be beneficial. • Institutional uncertainties may be more significant than physical uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new modeling approach to incorporate operational characteristics of different types of hydropower in long-term power sector models. The existing literature and methods were reviewed, and the mathematical formulation of the developed model is presented. The model is then used to analyze the future power generation mix of Nepal, a country with huge untapped hydro resources, as a case study. The possible power sector development pathway has been assessed through three different electricity demand growth rate scenarios. The optimal deployment of indigenous hydro and renewables is further evaluated by developing zero-emission scenarios as a conceivable policy to strengthen national energy security. The sensitivity analysis of governing parameters and evaluation of simulation results was performed to validate the model. Simulation results for capacity and generation mix along with emission level and total power system costs have been discussed for each scenario. Power dispatch and operation schedule determined as a result of optimization take account of the seasonal variations of river inflow and operational benefits of hydropower. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to examine the impact of construction cost, availability factor and water storage capacity on total cost, capacity requirements and optimal operation of hydropower. • Represented different types of hydropower in dynamic power sector model. • Detailed analysis of the future power generation mix of Nepal. • Optimized the operation schedule and water storage strategy of hydro Pondage run-of-the-river and hydro storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]