Micro-hydropower: A promising decentralized renewable technology and its impact on rural livelihoods

Abstract

Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world, is characterized by very low per capita energy consumption. Due to lack of access to other commercial sources of energy, the country relies heavily on traditional biomass energy sources including firewood, agricultural residues, and animal dung. In recent years, Nepal’s government has initiated the production and distribution of several renewable energy technologies in order to solve the energy problem in rural areas as well as to provide clean and sustainable energy for rural households. Among several renewable technologies, micro-hydropower (MHP) has been one of the most promising and commonly adopted decentralized (off-grids) technologies in Nepal. Improved health, environment, and agriculture are some of the major benefits to the users. It reduces drudgery for women by increasing access to modern agro-processing mills in rural areas, and can save enough time that can be used for other household activities. Similarly, electric lights in rural households extended the day providing additional hours for evening reading to students. In addition, it provides economic benefit to the country through reduced deforestation. Thus, MHP technology provides a renewable, sustainable and clean source of energy to poor rural households in Nepal. Key words: Micro-hydropower, renewable energy, rural electrification, sustainable.