Integration of Energy from Intermittent Renewable Power Plants with Pumped Storage Hydropower Plants in the Case of Nepal

Abstract

Nepal’s demand for energy is in increasing trend and the demand for a modern form of energy is no exception, electrical energy demand in the country is also increasing trend. In the case of Nepal, the electrical energy production sector is mainly based on hydroelectric power. This condition of power production creates a deficit in the power supply, and in the current context, demand is managed by the additional imported power supply. To realize the concept of energy security, if the country does not import power to manage power demand, then it has to manage its available energy. To fulfill this motive the power produced by the solar power plant is stored in pumped power plants during the daytime and regenerate power during peak. In 2030, installed hydropower is forecasted nearly 7000MW, and about 700 MW of solar will be connected to the grid; during the wet season there is enough power generation to fulfill energy demand, whereas, during the dry season, power demand during peak can be managed by energy stored in pumped power plants which are charged by power generated by solar power plants and the hydropower combined. In case of a low growth rate of the economy, months with a shortage of energy can be managed by total installed hydro and solar combined with storage (PHSP). In the case of policy intervention due to energy transition, there seems to be a huge gap in supply so there is a high scope of energy storage (PHSP) combined with additional installation of Solar PV.