Shedding The Load
Perhaps it is appropriate to begin with a few facts here. In terms of easily harnessed hydro-electricity, Nepal has the capability to produce 40,000 MW. Currently, it produces about 600 MW, roughly 1.5% of the potential. And of that 600 MW, 25% is lost due to “technical errors” like pilfering. In addition to that, only 40% of Nepalis have access to electricity. Furthermore, electricity fulfills a mere 1% of Nepal’s total energy demand. So it seems electricity is not very important in the lives of Nepalis. In the very country that ranks second globally in terms of water resources.
With this data in our hands, there is enough evidence to suggest that, definitely, something is going wrong. Technically, hydro-electricity should be able to easily meet the energy demand of Nepal, and the surplus should be used to generate revenue. Since the establishment of the first hydroelectric plant in 1911, Nepal has managed to tap a little more than a percent of its potential. One percent in one century. Of course, one can defend it by saying that there are many project “in the pipeline”. However, this” pipeline” must either be leaking or blocked, because most of these projects tend not to see the light of day.
So who is it who will be the scapegoat? Obviously, the system is at fault, but there needs to be somewhere to put the blame. So, this time, lets put the NEA (Nepal Electricity Authority) under the gavel. If you enter their office, you will probably see more pot-bellies than you will see work going on (this could go on all day). Anyways, the point made, I believe that hydro-electricity, if harnessed properly, will take Nepal a long, long, long (3x) way. So we will have to endure loadshedding for a few more years. Hopefully, something will be done by then. Maybe the leaks in the pipeline will be patched up. So lets do what we do best: hope.
My roommate from Nepal tells me the reason why Nepal’s hydro-electricity capabilities have not been put into action, is because Nepal is caught in the middle of the battle for political influence between China and India, India being the dominant influence in Nepal and China the country that wants to extend its influence in Nepal. India being the expensive way of developing hydro-electricity in Nepal, wanting to keep all the Nepali energy for itself; and China being the far better and cheaper option for Nepal. But because of Indian dominancy in Nepal, Nepal cannot set up cooperation with China.
Is this true?
Well, loadshedding can be partly attributed to this. Political factors are at play and the stakes are much higher than they appear. On the other hand, however, it is also a result of poor management, and to some extent, negligence. Basically, the roots of the problem lie in various places, so only one aspect cannot take the fore.
Current 16 hrs. of load shedding per day is not a result of current political instability solemnly. There are several factors that has contributed to this situation. It was already known in advance since there were no projects in pipeline where as the demand is rampant. Within couple of years, there is no land left in Kathmandu valley. Valley has been fully covered by buildings and apartments. So, where is the planning? I do not know where the money came from to build those houses. Imagine, if some part of these investments would have been used for electricity generation. There were few progresses in 90s, during the beginning days of democracy but due to the political instability, private sectors as well as the government projects went in halt. Maoists are the one to take this blame first. I cannot imagine how many ongoing projects went in jeopardy due to their movement in remote areas. Now they are in power. They have got what they wanted. So, where is the restoration of those projects? They don’t care about it. All they need is power and they are not responsible towards the citizen. If the political situation does not improve and if they don’t pay their attention towards this problem, the overall economic downfall is certain and it will be so steep. I can not imagine the situation when people even will have no power to run the computers and phones. We are moving towards the Stone Age. God bless Nepal and we Nepalese.
Sharing some comments from my facebook page when I posted this link:
Ashish B. I haven’t read the whole thing…but I think first things first…I think people should really stop talking about the “potential” that Nepal has of producing 40,000 MW…I think that would be a good point to start…is of accepting what our reality is …and start focusing on the total demand and focus on that as a good round number to target…
Prabhas P. @ashish: I see your irritation at using the big-big number, and the need to focus on the total demand. I think it is probably a useful exercise to separate the two things: electricity so people are happy and productive, and electricity that is nepal’s “potential.” Of course, how do you measure demand of electricity? And isn’t it a function of price, and therefore not as accessible in a nice round number?
Ashish B. @Prabhas, my point was that its futile to talk about the potential (of 40000MW) and building castles in the sky (of exporting electricity to others to increase national revenue blah blah), when we can barely produce a quarter of our demand effectively with what we have…it is probably in our best interest to prioritizing meeting domestic demand before even thinking about anything else..i think as a logical person, you’d agree…haina?
Prabhas P. point taken.