A book on hydropower in Nepal and public concern released

Incorporating important aspects of hydropower industries in Nepal, Er. Mohan Krishna Uprety wrote a book ‘Nepalko Bijuli ra Janasarokar’ (Hydropower in Nepal and public concern). The book was released on Thursday amidst a function in Kathmandu which was organised by Society of Electric Engineers Nepal (SEEN) and Society of Electrical Professionals in Literature.

The texts inserted are in 4 sections and 32 sub-sections. Resources of electricity, policy, demand and supply systems and author’s recommendations to enhance and upgradations.

The book also carries on the alternative resources, supply situation, transmission and distribution systems and challenges, climate change effects, potentials of hydrogen fuel sell, investment of the state, loadsehedding problems and solutions, usages of diesel plants, Nepal Electricity Authority, NEA subsidiaries, private sector engagement in hydropower sector, people’s concerns.

Similarly, management pattern, electricity leakage, wek monitoring system, political parties’ concerns, electricity trade, changing structure of the electricity market, India’s interest Nepal’s in water resources are also included in the Uprety’s book.

On the occasion, ex-staffer of NEA Uprety said that he had worked in the hydropower sector for 32 years. He had shared his knowledge, experiences and thoughts through the book.

SEEN chairperson Dilli Ratna Shaya said that the book is a collection of valuable technical and managerial information including thoughts for market management and diplomacy for the power trade. Prof. Dr. Jagannath Shrestha, reviewing the contents of the book, said that the book is a treasure of useful information and thoughts. The government officials involved in energy sector including technical professionals can receive insights from the book. Pointing out some lapses which may corrected in the next edition, he hoped.

Bishnu Prasad Acharya, General Secretary of Society of Electrical Professionals in Literature said that through the literature view, the book is a nutrient for the mind of the readers. He said, the author has elaborated that hydropower is the cheapest and best energy source for Nepal. There are enough explanations that say pump storage, cascading of hydropower projects as well. Hydrogen energy is also one of the best parts to find in the book, Acharya added.

On the occasion, Managing Director of NEA Kul Man Ghising said that hydropower generation in Nepal is increasing. It has been able to export to India in the wet seasons and earn foreign exchange. Likewise, symbolic amount of electricity also have been exported to Bangladesh through Indian transmission system. Likewise, Nepal will be exporting an increased amount of electricity to India in the coming wet season. Now India has the choice to buy more electricity from Nepal to reduce its carbon foot print to some extent. Likewise, Bangladesh is looking for invest in Nepal in hydropower projects and also to buy electricity generated in Nepal. That can help Bangladesh to transfer to clean energy for industry replacing electricity generated by using fossil fuel.

These matters may be raised in the international forums stressing Nepal to help neighbours by accessing clean energy. He also mentioned that India is generating 75% of total electricity by using fossil fuel while Bangladesh has no clean resource for electricity generation.   

Former Minister and hydropower expert Dipak Gyawali also spoke on book and current energy scenario of the country. He also stressed on need of increasing electricity consumption in domestic market rather than looking for markets in the neighbouring countries.