Could hydrogen be used to store and transport energy in Nepal?

Hydrogen production in Nepal is unlikely to be significant. Hydrogen or hydrogen-rich chemicals such as ammonia could be used to store and transport energy in Nepal. However, this is unlikely to occur because the efficiency is very low compared with those of batteries, pumped hydro and thermal storage, which unavoidably translates into high costs.

How much hydro storage is needed in Nepal?

The Global Pumped Hydro Storage Atlas [42, 43] identifies ~2800 good sites in Nepal with combined storage capacity of 50 TWh (Fig. 6). To put this in perspective, the amount of storage typically required to balance 100% renewable energy in an advanced economy is ~1 day of energy use . For the 500-TWh goal, this amounts to ~1.5 TWh.

Can Nepal achieve energy self-sufficiency?

The deep renewable electrification of energy services including transport, heating and industry will allow solar and wind to largely eliminate fossil fuels over the next few decades. This paper demonstrates that Nepal will be able to achieve energy self-sufficiency during the twenty-first century.

Can pumped storage hydropower be used in Nepal?

In this study, we assess the potential of pumped storage hydropower across Nepal, a central Himalayan country, under multiple configurations by pairing lakes, rivers, and available flat terrains. We then identify technically feasible pairs from those of potential locations.

How can Nepal meet its energy needs from solar PV?

Nepal can meet all of its energy needs from solar PV by covering 1% of its area with panels, even after (i) Nepal catches up with the developed world in per-capita use of energy and (ii) all energy services are electrified, eliminating fossil fuels entirely (an increase of 70-fold in electricity production).

Is hydropower a good source of energy in Nepal?

Hydropower is one of the two sources of energy in Nepal that can play an important role in Nepal’s future economy. However, the hydro potential is a tiny fraction of the solar PV potential. Table 1 represents the annual energy estimate and power potential of four major river basins: Narayani, Saptakoshi, Karnali and Mahakali of Nepal.