Renewable Energy Confederation of Nepal (RECON) had requested priority on connecting electricity generated by micro hydropower plants (MHPs) to the national grid. The delegation led by Kushal Gurung, chairperson of RECON met Hitendra Dev Shakya, managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The meeting on Sunday was much positive. NEA is considering on renewable energy technologies other than hydropower also, RECON informed.
Mostly MHPs are constructed to meet electricity required at off grid locations in the hills and mountains mainly. But, once power supply grid reach there the utilsation of electricity generation goes waste and MHPs also get ruined. Gurung mentioned that extending of grid is good from the point of view of electricity supply but the MPS should also utilized well by connecting the grid. Moreover, electricity generated by Solar PV technology also need to connect to the grid. Such connections have been proved to be good for enhancing the voltage quality. Moreover, the ratio of other non-hydro renewable energy technologies should be extended to 30 percent in the energy mix which is provisioned 10 percent as per the energy policy.
On the occasion of meeting, former president of Nepal Micro Hydropower Development Association and MHP Grid Synchronisation expert Krishna Prasad Devkota elaborated that around 1500 MHPs can be upgraded with synchronization mechanism to connect electricity generated by such plants to national grid. He also explained the success of MHP grid connections. He emphasized that technology and expertise have been available within Nepal these days, only required is support of NEA and conducive policy.
NEA MD Shakya, in response, said that grid connection of MHPs have been commenced by NEA since a few years. NEA have had PPA with MHPs as well. taking it positively to prioritise MHPs to connect to grid. To this context NEA is coordinating with Alternative Energy Promotion Centre as well, he informed.
In the initial phase some 50 MHPs will be connected to grid. More will be taken into pipeline, Shakya assured the delegation.
President of Nepal Micro Hydropower Development Association Tej Narayan Thakur, president of Solar Electric Manufactures Association Krishna Prasad Parajuli, president of Solar Thermal Association K R Khanal, repetitive of Nepal Biogas Promotion Association Reesabh Acharya and others renewable energy professionals were included in the delegation.
Renewable Energy Confederation of Nepal (RECON) is a common forum of associations of private sector involved in supplying and delivering alternative energy service and NGOs involved in promotion of alternative energy in Nepal. It works as an umbrella organization of associations of private sector who are committed to lobby and advocacy and are highly dedicated in creating enabling environment to safe guard the rights and wellbeing of professionals and practitioners involved in renewable energy value chain.
