Micro-hydro off-grid solutions in Nepal: from grassroots innovation to a leading nation ›

Have you already watched the new edition of HPNET’s video podcast series. StreamSide Chats, about sustainable micro-hydro solutions in Nepal? It’s certainly worth a look!

StreamSide Chats aims to deepen the dialogue between international experts and local innovators in the field of sustainable hydro mini-grids. The new edition provides insights into the work of micro-hydro practitioners and shares first hand experiences about sustainable off-grid micro-hydro solutions.

Having kick-started the series with a discussion about the role that energy access could play in an inclusive COVID-19 recovery to build resilience against the economic and social effects of the pandemic, in this second episode HPNET takes a closer look at one of Southeast Asia’s best-case examples of micro-hydro off-grid solutions: Nepal.

Why is Nepal such an important driver in the field with one of the most dynamic micro-hydro programmes worldwide? Bikash Pandey, director of Clean Energy Winrock International, based in Washington D.C., and an expert in renewable energy in the Global South who also co-founded the micro-hydro sector in Nepal, provides us with an insight..

Subsequently, Bir Bahadu Ghale, founder and director of Hydro Energy Concern Pvt. Ltd. (Kathmandu), who received the renowned Ashoka Fellowship award, shares his longstanding experiences and the challenges he faced when electrifying several thousand rural households under demanding conditions. He provides valuable insights into grassroots innovation in off-grid energy solutions. With no previous experience, he developed his first hydro mini-grid in his hometown at the age of only 24.

Finally, the two speakers discuss different types of ownership models and ways in which energy practitioners can boost both energy access and sustainable energy solutions.

StreamSide Chats

Ashoka

Hydro Energy Concern Pvt. Ltd.

Clean Energy Winrock International