Interconnected Mini-grids for Intensive Rural Electrification in Nepal (IMIREN)

The aim of the project is to improve the reliability and accessibility of the electricity supply in rural areas of Nepal by using interconnected mini-grids involving various complementary renewable energy sources. The project will be implemented in the Gulmi district of Western Nepal. The current micro-hydro plants at Daram Khola (85 kW) and Paropakar (132 kW) will be interconnected in order to stabilise the grid supply. Daram Khola MHP services 760 households and is already running at peak capacity, meaning that there is not sufficient power for consumers to use more appliances or to start productive local businesses. Interconnecting this plant with the neighbouring Paropakar MHP, which has excess generation, is a solution to this problem. A regulatory framework for the operation of interconnected mini-grids will be developed. This method of improving electricity supply could offer significant potential for the future, especially for productive use and income generating activities. The project is implemented by the German institute Fraunhofer ISE in cooperation with the Alternative Energy Promotion Center AEPC in Nepal.