Solar Power in Nepal to Mitigate Climate Change

Abstract

Contemporary climate change includes both global warming and its impacts on Earth's weather patterns. The current changes are distinctly more rapid, caused by the emission of greenhouse gases. Burning fossil fuels for energy use creates most of these emissions. Many forms of disasters occur due climate change which could be mitigated if not prevented should climate change be controlled. As one of the prominent stakeholder of disaster management, climate change mitigation should be concern for APF, Nepal. Development of renewable energy results in significant energy security, climate change mitigation, and economic benefits. It is of high significance to the country from the import and trade deficit reduction perspective also. This research looks for answering the questions why climate change mitigation is important; how solar power production contributes in climate change mitigation and what is the solar power development potential in Nepal. This study is based on qualitative phenomenological research approach in which primary data are obtained from field visits and key informants interviews while secondary data are gathered from published books, online papers, articles and writings. Primary data were collected from the research site in Devighat, Nuwakot, by observation and interviewing officials available at the site. Key informants in various offices related with the topic were identified and additional data were obtained through research interviews. Most of the disasters in Nepal and around the globe are attributed to climate change. There are other various consequences of climate change that are threatening human life and existence. Development and promotion of solar power as a substitute to fossil fuel can substantially reduce the reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. Sun’s energy is limitless, unlike fossils and the change has a direct influence on the reduction of emission of harmful GHG. Nepal receives in an average 5 kWh of solar radiation per square meter per day, with roughly 300 days which is 50,000 terawatt-hours per year, which is 100 times larger than its hydro resource and 7,000 times larger than its current electricity consumption. Presently, solar plant cost per MW is approximately NRs. 80 Million which could be reduced to 5 Million with introduction of newly developed PV technology. These parameters are quite good for solar power generation in Nepal. This research has generated the theoretical concept of community solar based on community forestry and NEA. Keywords: Climate change, Climate change mitigation, Renewable energy, Solar power, Fossil fuel substitution