1. business and industrial
2. energy
3. electricity

National Conference
on
Energy Economics
and
Sustainable Development
(CEESDev 2014)
For sustained growth and prosperous tomorrow – what do research and
practice inform to shape the future?
OCTOBER 22, 2014
Asian Institute of technology and Management
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development (CEESDev)
22 October, 2014
Asian Institute of Technology and Management (AITM), Khumaltar, Nepal
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
08:30 – 09:00
Arrival and Registration
INAUGURAL & KEYNOTE
MC: Miss Sajal Pradhan
Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Sriram Bhagut Mathe
09:00 – 09:20
Welcome address: Dr. Vishnu Prasad Pandey
Remarks: Mr. Ram Prasad Dhital (AEPC)
Remarks: Pashupati Murarca (FNCCI)
09:20 – 09:50
Keynote: Prof. Dr. Govinda Nepal (Member (NPC/GoN)
Invited Presentation: Dr. Rabindra Nepal (University Of Queensland, Australia,
09:50 – 10:10
GHEaSES International)
10:10 – 10:20
Remarks from Chairperson
10:20 – 10:40
Refreshment
TECHNICAL SESSION (Chair: Prof. Dr. Tri Ratna Bajracharya)
Platform Presentations
Current energy consumption trends and future energy/GHG scenarios of Nepal;
10:40 – 11:00
by Prof. Amrit Man Nakarmi (IOE/TU)
11:00 – 11:20
Energy market and economics of Nepal; by Madhusudhan Adhikari (AEPC)
Cointegration and casuality between electricity consumption and GDP:
11:20 – 11:40
empirical evidence from Nepal; by Shishir Shakya (IFS)
Impact of small decentralized PV grid-connected plants on load shedding in
11:40 – 12:00
Nepal; by Prof. Jagan Nath Shrestha (IOE/TU)
Effectiveness of subsidy policy in addressing barriers to renewable energy
12:00 – 12:20
technology deployment in Nepal; by Anantaa Pandey (AIT, AITM)
Collaborative and open access research for energy sector in Nepal; by Kshitiz
12:20 – 12:40
Khanal, Sadam Bala (GHEaSES)
Introduction of Posters
12:40 – 12:55
Introduction of posters from four presenters
Poster Titles
Landslide hazard zonation on Sunkoshi-2 high dam project area using quantitative methods in GIS; by
Sakunda Ojha (Sanima Hydro and Engineering P. Ltd.)
Design and fabrication of fuel efficient gasifier stove; by RP Gupta (IOE/TU, GHEaSES)
Optimization and economic feasibility study of conical basin structure of Gravitational Water Vortex
Power Plant; by R. Dhakal (IOE/TU, GHEaSES)
Policy modeling for low emission urban development; by Sadhana Bhusal (IOE/TU)
12:55 – 13:55
Lunch
PANEL DISCUSSION – I (Moderator: Dr. Sandip Shah)
Title: PDA & PTA – Expectations and Realities
Panelists: Prof. Dr. Hari Pandit (IOE/TU); Surya Nath Upadhaya (JVS);Shital Babu
13:55 – 15:25
Regmee (former Secretary/GoN); Gyanendra Lal Pradhan (FNCCI); Khadga Bista
(IPPAN)
Rapporteurs: Bikash Thapa, Bhim Gautam; Rabin Rachal
15:25 – 15:40
Refreshment
PANEL DISCUSSION – II (Moderator: Ram Prasad Dhital)
Title: Implementation of energy-mix in Nepal: opportunities and challenges
Panelists: Prof. Jagan Nath Shrestha (Founding Director,CES/IOE); Prof. Amrit
15:40 – 17:10
Man Nakarmi (IOE/TU); Sher Singh Bhat (NEA); Dr. Narayan Chaulagain
(GIZ/NEEP); Nabin Bhujel (SEMAN)
Rapporteurs: Raju Shrestha, Krishna Adhikiari
17:10 – 17:20
Closing Remarks
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
INVITED PAPER ABSTRACT
Review of Progress on Power Sector Reforms and
Electricity Cooperation in South Asia
Dr. Rabindra Nepal1
1
University of Queensland, Australia, GHEaSES International Pvt. Ltd.
Corresponding email: [email protected]
Abstract
South Asia can largely benefit from regional electricity cooperation considering the regional
complementaries in electricity demand, resources and development needs. However, the electricity
cooperation process has been slow and frustrated which mimics the progress of electricity reforms
in the region. We study the existing status and performance of reforms in relation to the current
degree of electricity cooperation among these economies. Stalled and unstable electricity reforms
have halted the progress towards greater electricity cooperation in South Asia. Significant economic
barriers to electricity cooperation pertaining to incompleteness of reforms and other political factors
outside of reforms exist. In the short and medium term, bilateral electricity cooperation also
involving third transit country can actively occur independent of the reform progress given the
immediate electricity needs and deficits of the region. In the longer term, increased electricity
cooperation may catalyze and harmonize electricity reforms in the region. Advanced electricity
cooperation arrangements can then be envisaged.
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
ABSTRACTS OF PAPER PRESENTATION
Current energy consumption trends and future
energy/GHG scenarios of Nepal
Prof. Amrit Man Nakarmi1
1
Center for Energy Studies, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuwan University
Corresponding Email: [email protected]
Abstract
Lack of access to modern and clean energy services is considered as one aspect of the energy
poverty.The two major challenges of energy poverty are lack of access to electricity and reliance on
biomass sources of energy for cooking.Nepal has the highest energy poverty in the South Asia with
just 120 kWh of electricity and 15GJ of primary energy consumptions per capita in a year in 2012.
Besides, Nepal is facing energysupply crises frequently in the recent time.The traditional energy
source such as fuel-wood has become scarce everyday with the growing population and people’s
migration from hilly region to southern plains. The forests are eventually becoming denuded.Overall,
the demand for energy is growing at a rapid pace but the supply side is facing a lot of bottlenecks.
There is a lack of proper planning and comprehensive policies related to energy sector. Individual
and disaggregated approaches in dealing with sub-sectoral problems from the concerned
government agencies are lacking coherence and making the energy crisis more acute. Imports of
petroleum products in 2014 are expected to reach 150% of total exports from the country. Nepal,
being in the high vulnerable group of countries, because of its poor economic performance
compared to other South Asian countries and its total dependence on imports of oil products, has to
seriously take certain policy/strategy steps for its energy security and sustainability.
Against this backdrop, it has become very essential to have an integrated energy model in the
present context for proper planning and policy analysis so that the policymakers can be timely
updated and given various policy options to take necessary energy related policies and decisions. An
end-use approach modelling framework on the basis of Model for Analysis of Energy Demand
(MAED) was developed for a period from 2010 to 2030. Consequently, Nepal – MARKAL
(MARketALloation) energy modelling framework was developed and inputs of the useful energy
demands from the end-use approach (MAED) were exogenously incorporated in.
Nepal consumes 410,000 TJ of final energy in 2010 with 85% of traditional biomass, 12% of fossil
fuels, 2% of electricity and 1% of modern renewable energy. The final energy consumption scenarios
were calculated at the three different cases of GDP growth rate 4.4%, 5.6% and 6.3% respectively.
With the policy of promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency the final energy scenario at
the reference case of GDP growth rate indicates 23% of energy supplied by indigenous renewable
energy resources. By 2030, Nepal has a carbon abatement potential of 42% and 43% at the GDP
growth rates of 6% and 9.2% respectively provided that the country focuses on implementation of
the aforesaid technology and policy interventions.
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
With the implementation of the above strategic options, Nepal can achieve carbon abatement of
42% to 43% from the BAU case in 2030, if Nepal takes concrete policy pathways for accessing
modern energy to the people, improving energy efficiency measures in all sectors, and developing
indigenous hydropower and renewable energy resources for low carbon energy supply.This
abatement is also in the range of the expected carbon abatement in the neighboring South Asian
countries.
The analysis of the scenarios developed indicates that Nepal's energy consumption is becoming
highly dependent on totally imported fossil fuels which put Nepal's economy at jeopardy in the long
run. The analysis from the MARKAL modeling framework highlights that Nepal needs to develop its
indigenous renewable energy resources to meet the growing energy demands for sustainable energy
development and energy security.
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
Cointegration and causality between electricity
consumption and GDP: empirical evidence from Nepal
Shishir Shakya1
1
Institute for Frontier Studies
Corresponding Email: [email protected]
Abstract
This paper unfolds the short run and the long run causality between per capita electric power
consumption (LPEC) and per capita gross domestic product (LGDP) for Nepal during the 1971–2010.
The conventional ADF unit root test indicates the series are I(1) and Johansen cointegration test
confirms the presence of cointegration among the variables. A vector error correction model (VECM)
is then employed. It is found that LGDP granger causes LPEC in the long run and weakly granger
causes in the short run. While reverse causality is found not to be true. Furthermore, impulse
responses are included which estimate how each variable behave upon the policy shock and
variance decompositions segregate the portion of each variable on total variation. Finally, with a
tight 67% confidence interval, in sample forecast and out of sample forecast was made from 2011 till
2020. The results indicate that total electricity consumption has no causal role as a component of
economic growth in Nepal. Thus, the electricity consumption policy should be designed and
implemented as a cohesion to growth but not as cohesive to growth.
Keywords: Error correction models, Granger-Causality, Johansen cointegration
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
Effectiveness of Subsidy Policy in Addressing Barriers to
Renewable Energy Technology Deployment in Nepal
Anantaa Pandey1,2,* Shobhakar Dhakal1 and Vishnu Prasad Pandey2
1
Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
2
Asian Institute of Technology and Management, Nepal
(*Corresponding Author: [email protected])
Abstract
In Nepal, direct subsidy for the installation of Renewable Energy Technology (RET) is essentially
being provided by the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) to increase energy access in
remote areas of Nepal where grid connection has not reached and firewood is extensively being
used for cooking purposes. This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of these subsidies
in promoting installation of Biogas, Micro-hydro and Solar plants in the rural areas. A qualitative
questionnaire and an AHP interview of expert stakeholders revealed that the subsidies have been
effective with respect to the increase in the number of the RET installed but has not been successful
in addressing barriers such as providing energy access to the poor, decreasing technical barriers and
establishing financial services in remote areas. Among the experts surveyed, the NGO/INGO and
Private Companies are less satisfied with the subsidy policy and feel i) the need to include credit
financing and insurance to the subsidy scheme, ii) stress on improving access to services and iii)
establish a decentralized system for effective distribution of RET. AEPC also recognizes these needs
but is yet to begin implementing activities in that regard. There is an increasing need for the
government and the private sectors to move towards providing indirect subsidies to be able to
establish and stimulate a market, reach the poor and sustain the growth in the installation of RET.
Keywords:AHP, Decision Making, Expert Stakeholder, Renewable Energy Technology, Subsidy
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
Impact of Small Decentralized PV Grid-Connected Plants
ON Load Shedding in Nepal
Domenico Chianese1*, Davide Rivola1, Jagan Nath Shrestha2, Alex Zahnd3
1
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), 6952 Canobbio,
Switzerland, [email protected]
2
Nepal Solar Energy Society, Kathmandu, Nepal, [email protected]
3
RIDS-Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal, [email protected]
Abstract
The current unreliability of the electrical network in Nepal, and the growing needs of users, together
with the high level of losses in the electricity distribution grid can be partially resolved by means of a
decentralized and partly autonomous electricity supply.
The Nepali grid is characterized by weak stability, frequent accidental powercuts and regular
planned load shedding schemes (up to 20 hrs. a day in the dry season), causing particular suffering
to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises). A feasibility study [1] has demonstrated the cost
advantages of a small solar PV grid connected system in combination with a battery back-up,
compared to traditional petrol gensets or battery chargers from the grid with stand-alone inverters.
The pilot project foresaw the design, construction and monitoring of 5 grid-connected 1.11 kWp PV
plants at three different strategic locations, P1, P2 and P3, in the urban and semi-urban environment
of the Kathmandu valley. While four of the PV systems are standard grid connected systems, of
which three are installed in “No-Load Shedding Zone” P2 and one in “Load Shedding Zone” P1, the
fifth system P3, is installed in a “Load-Shedding Zone”, but is designed with a battery bank backup
system, and can therefore function as a micro-grid. The setup parameter limit of the grid-connected
inverter was adjusted in accordance with the effective situation of the distribution grid (voltage and
frequency limits, duration of power cut, etc.). Performance monitoring of the plants started in late
2012. The first 9 months of analysis shows energy generation losses of about 47.6% (475kWh) at P1,
due to the load shedding schedule at the time. The performance of the three PV plants at P2, where
no load shedding occurs, was as expected, with all generated energy fed into the grid. The 1.11 kWp
PV grid-connected plant with a battery backup at P3 in effect performs as a stand-alone system
providing enough energy for one household and an NGO office.
Keywords: Small Grid-connected PV System, System Performance, Grid Stability, Grid Integration,
Developing Countries.
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
Energy Market and Economics of Nepal
Madhusudhan Adhikari1
1
Alternative Energy Promotion center
[email protected]
Abstract
Energy fuels economic growth and help to poverty reduction. Reliable and efficient energy services
underpin the expansion of economic and employment opportunities, the continuing progress in
social development, and the sustained improvement in standards of living. Nepal is suffering from
significant energy poverty and pervasive energy deficits. The per capita energy consumption in Nepal
is merely 14.8 GJ which is one of the lowest values in South Asian region. Nepal's consumption is
merely one fifth of the world's average and less than half of the Asian's average. In the context of
electricity consumption, Nepal’s case is the worst with just 105 kWh per capita (IEA, 2014). One of
the main reasons for this is the fact that about 33 % of households still do not have access to
electricity and those who are connected to national grid has in average more than 8 hours load
shedding per day (CBS 2011).
There is a stark disparity in terms of access, 90% of urban households have access whereas in rural
just 30% (CBS, 2011). The energy supply is primarily dependent on traditional biomass 87%,
commercial energy resources and renewable energy resources are 12% and 1% respectively. Lack of
modern means of usage of traditional biomass results in environmental degradation and reduced
production from agro and allied sectors. There has also been adverse impact on the health of rural
population mainly women and children because of in-efficient use of traditional energy resources.
Low access to modern energy system results in lower level of economic activities and lower
employments.
Keywords: Reliable and Efficient Energy, Energy Consumption, Access
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
Collaborative and Open Access Research and
Development for Energy Sector in Nepal
Kshitiz Khanal1 *, Sadam Bala1 *, Shanker Dhakal1, Rabindra Nepal1
1
GHEaSES International Pvt. Ltd.
(*Corresponding Author: [email protected], [email protected])
Abstract
Despite continuously delivered dreams and delights referring to its huge hydro potential, Nepal is
facing ravaging energy scarcity with an electrification rate of only 55%. Energy consumption by
biomass contributes to nearly 80% of total consumption followed by 16% of petroleum and coal and
just 4% by electricity. Biggest challenges we face in the energy sector are large scale problems like
insufficient electricity production, gap between industry and academia to collaborate in pertinent
energy crisis issues, and short comings in policy making to address these issues. It is apparent that
the solutions to large scale problems should be scalable in nature. Solutions that increase energy
production and access need innovative approach to Research and Development (R&D). We need to
modify our approach to R&D based on our needs and available resources by focusing on market /
end users of Nepal compared to research focused on developing academic and technical excellence
till we have solved our energy scarcity. This paper tries to present a new model of R&D specifically
for energy sector of Nepal by combining ideas of collaborative R&D and Open Access to researches
and their results to help the energy sector of Nepal. Different models and methods of R&D
(specifically collaborative R&D) were studied, and the ideas were amalgamated with Open Access to
research and findings so as to make them more suitable for energy sector of Nepal. This research
can be used to produce scalable solutions that can be implemented without further delay by the
collaboration of energy producers, policy makers, academia, industry, end users, and other stake
holders.
Keywords: Collaborative R&D, Open Access Research publication, Nepal Energy Crisis
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
ABSTRACTS OF POSTER PRESENTATION
Optimization and Economic Feasibility Study of
ConicalBasin Structure ofGravitational Water Vortex
Power Plant
R. Dhakal1,2 , A.B. Timilsina1 , S. Dhakal1 , D Fuyal1 , T.R Bajracharya1 , H. P. Pandit3
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Central Campus Pulchowk, Institute of Engineering,
Tribhuvan
University, Nepal
2 GHEasES International Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, Nepal
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Central Campus Pulchowk, Institute of Engineering,
Tribhuvan
University, Nepal
Email Address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
The world is competing for energy and hydropower is a clean source of energy or electricity. The
field of hydropower has often witnessed the discovery of new types of plants and components
therein, by using simple principles of physics and mechanics. Gravitational water vortex power plant
(GWVPP) has lately been eye-catching and interesting topic for researchers throughout the globe.
This study encapsulates an analysis of various geometrical parameters of conical basin design of the
vortex plant. For given flow and head, the following parameters were considered: (i) basin opening,
(ii) basin diameter, (iii) notch length, iv) canal height, and v) cone angle. The parametric effects on
vortex formation and energy are evaluated in terms of vortex velocity by using state of the art
procedures of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) . Different basin configurations were developed
by using SolidWorks software and the models were simulated in the CFD code of ANSYS Fluent. Each
parameter is varied individually and corresponding velocity (within a range of interest) is noted,
which is followed by a development of mathematical model and is optimized using MATLAB and
EXCEL. The so developed optimized model is fabricated and tested. Finally, an economic feasibility
study of the optimized conical basin structure for the GWVPP is conducted and compared with the
economic aspect of existing large hydropower projects of Nepal.
Keywords: Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant, Conical Basin, Geometrical Parameters
Mathematical Model, Optimization, Feasibility Study
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
Design and Fabrication of Fuel Efficient Gasifier Stove
2, 3
1
1, 3
1, 2
R.P. Gupta , S. Shrestha , L.B. Prasad , R. Dhakal
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Central Campus Pulchowk, Institute of Engineering,
Tribhuvan University, Nepal
2 GHEasES International Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, Nepal
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Purwanchal Campus Dharan, Institute of Engineering,
Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Email Address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
The gasification technology is new for Nepal. In spite of the technology being promising, the extent
of work that has been carried out in this field was limited to laboratory experiment at research
center forapplied science and technology (RECAST) in early eighties. The Center for Energy Studies,
Institute of Engineering (CES, IOE) and many other institutions at present have been working in the
field ofgasifier stoves for both rural and commercial purpose. This paper is concerned with the
development of a new class of single pan high efficiency, low emission stoves, named gasifier stoves
that promise constant power that can be controlled using any solid biomass fuel in the form of small
woodchips or pellets. These stoves use battery run fan based air supply for gasification (primary
air)andfor combustion(secondary air). The study mainly deals with the design, fabrication and
analysis of efficiency and emission of the stove. Its efficiency depends mainly on the following
parameters i)geometric condition of the stove, ii) material used in the stove, iii) fuel or pellets used,
iv) the proper ratio of air mixture and v)flow of air and so on. With these parameters taken into mind
the gasifierstove model was designed by using SolidWorks software. Designing with the correct
secondary air flow ensures combustion that allows high combustion temperatures with
accompanying high water boiling efficiencies (up to 50 % for vessels of practical relevance) and very
low emissions (ofcarbon monoxide, particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen). The use of high
density agro-residuebased pellets or coconut shell pieces ensures operational duration of about an
hour or more. Theselection of the suitable materials is carried out after studying different
parameters. Finally themodel so developed after designing and material selection is fabricated. After
the fabrication, thedifferent tests like smoke emission test and thermal efficiency test is carried out
to analyze theemissionand thermal efficiency of the gasifier stove. Finally, an economic feasibility
study of the gasifierstove is conducted and compared with the economic aspects of existing large
hydropower projects ofNepal.
Keywords: Gasifier Stove, Design and Fabrication, Emission and efficiency gasifier, Feasibility Study
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
Landslide Hazard Zonation of Sunkoshi -2 High Dam
Project area using Quantitative Methods in
Geographical Information Science
SakundaOjha1 ,Sobit Thapaliya2
1
2
Senior Environmentalist and GIS Expert, Sanima Hydro and Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
Engineering Geologist, Sanima Hydro and Engineering Pvt. Ltd
Abstract
Landslides are one of the critical geological processes, which causes not only enormous damage to
civil engineering structures such as hydropower plant, road, bridges, dams and houses but also lead
to loss of life. The construction of hydropower projects involve disturbance to the natural slop
making them vulnerable to landslides. Therefore, there is a need for landslide hazard zonation so
that hazardous area could be stabilized before it escalates major disaster. The present study
attempts to develop a landslide model by using multi-criteria decision analysis in GIS and remote
sensing techniques.
The proposed Sunkoshi -2 High Dam Project area was selected for the model implementation. Digital
topographical data, regional geological maps, remote sensing image and field data were used as
inputs to the study. The data layers represent the soil type, land use, geology (geological faults and
existing landslide), slope, aspects and elevation. A numerical rating scheme for the factors was
developed for spatial data analysis in GIS. The resulting landslide hazard zonation map delineates the
area into different zones of three relative classes: High, Medium and Low. The present study shows
that the implementation of Sunkoshi – 2 High Dam Project would make the areas at the reservoir
water level more vulnerable towards landside.
Key Words: Landslide hazard zonation, multi-criteria decision analysis, quantitative methods in GIS
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
Policy Modeling for Low Emissions Urban Development
SadhanaBhusal, SulochanaShrestha, AnjanaMaharjan, SaraswotiNagarkoti
Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Pulchowk, Lalitpur
Corresponding author: SadhanaBhusal, [email protected]
Developing countries are the most vulnerable to the effects of Green House Gases and the low
energy efficiency of the building services. An Urban Low Emissions Development Strategy (UrbanLEDS), or Low Emissions Urban Development Strategy, aids in the transition of a city to a low energy
and emission footprint through its integration into city development plans and processes.
The formulation and implementation of low-emission climate-resilient development strategies
(LECRDS) will allow developing countries to respond more effectively to climate change and make
the development processes climates resilient and lower in carbon emissions. About 40% of GHG
emissions are attributed to the design, construction, and operation of buildings. As the majority of
GHG emissions are from fossil fuel use, reversing climate change requires the reduction of building
energy use and transition to renewable energy sources.
In this paper, a comparison is made between the energy uses of a typical residential building with
the conventional design and operation of Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC),
electrical systems, and the energy efficient design of the same building and the reduction of GHG
emissions is calculated. It then calculates the possible reductions of emissions based on the annual
construction of the energy efficient buildings in the city along with the considerable saving of
energy. It suggests the integration of the energy efficient building policy in the building construction
guide to encourage the construction of such energy efficient low emission buildings.
Keywords: low emissions, energy, development policy
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
National Conference on Energy
Economics
and
Sustainable
Development
(CEESDev)
~~~ For sustained growth and prosperous
tomorrow - what do research and practice inform
to shape the future? ~~~
BACKGROUND
Energy is one of the most important driving factors for
higher economic growth, which every country in the
world wishes to achieve. Given the continuous increase
in demand at a significant rate, energy has become one
of the scarce resources.
LNG Jetty, Courtesy of Raju K Mishra
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/tense-overenergy?page=0,3
basin optimization and Power Purchase Agreement
(PPA), are increasing.
Recently, the news of the Power Development
Agreement (PDA) and Power Trade Agreement (PTA)
between Nepal and India has covered most of media
headlines in Nepal and abroad. PDA is supposed to help
secure foreign investment in hydro sector of Nepal;
however, it has been very controversial issue far more
than PTA.
OBJECTIVES& ORGANIZERS
Securing energy for the current and future generations
is one of the greatest challenges that we are facing
today. Countries in the world have accordingly given
priority to energy policies, funding on energy research
and innovation, energy economics and energy
diplomacy.
Nepal, a developing country in south Asia is blessed with
huge water resources and enormous potential of clean
and renewable energy, namely, hydropower, solar and
wind. Proper energy policies and adequate investment
in energy sector may pave the way for bright future of
the country.
However, Nepalese are still suffering from energy
scarcity and remote access to water.
Large-scale multipurpose projects could contribute to
round-the-year water regulation and regional energy
Sikta Head Works, Courtesy of Bir Singh Dhami
In the above context, several pertinent questions
prevail. What should we do to make our development
and economy, anchored to energy market, sustainable?
Do existing models of energy economics and electricity
reform valid in the context of Nepal and should the
Government go with it? If we ought to develop new
models, policies and procedures, how should we move
forward? What are strengths and weaknesses of the
PDA & PTA? What is the real science behind those
documents? With an objective to seek answers to these
questions, a one-day collaborative conference on Energy
Economics and Sustainable Development (CEESDev).
CEESDev is expected to reveal what research and
practice in energy sector inform to shape Nepal’s
prosperous future through sustained growth. The
organizers ask interested people from academia,
industry, government and community to present their
papers, contribute as panelists or actively participate as
general audience, and make the conference a great
success. This is all done in support of Nepal’s intelligent
development transformation.
SCOPE & THEMES
security, strengthen cooperation and influence the
entire regional economics. However, they are associated
with many controversies. The sentiments of
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) regarding existing
policies and procedures, particularly when it comes to
CEESDev covers awide range of issues related to energy
and energy economics of Nepal along with regional
collaboration in energy sector. They may include but not
limited to market and energy efficiency, energy
consumption trends and future directions, energy
consumption and economic growth, elasticity of energy
demand, policy modeling, etc. The papers with
qualitative and quantitative research, appealing
illustrations, professional experiences along with data
and recommendations are highly preferred. In addition,
there will be dedicated and long session of panel
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
discussion, which is expected to feature most of the
prominent people from Nepal researching or practicing
in the field of energy and energy economics. The
content and recommendations of the conference will be
published in the form of proceedings, submitted to the
concerned authorities and disseminated to wider
public.
CONVENORS:
Dr. Vishnu Prasad Pandey, M: 9841318939
([email protected])
Mr. MadhuSudan Gautam, M: 9841364694
([email protected])
Mr. Mohan Raj Joshi, M: 9851011259
([email protected])
EDITORIAL:
Dr. Vishnu Prasad Pandey (AITM)
Mr. Madhu Sudan Gautam (IFS)
Dr. ShankerDhakal (GHEaSES& Uni. of Melbourne)
Mr. Prachanda Man Pradhan (KU)
SECRETARIAT:
Mr. KshitzKhanal, M: 9841857952
([email protected])
ONLINE FACILITATOR
Dr. Shanker Dhakal ([email protected])
PARTICIPATION FEE:
Individual: Rs 500 and Institutional: Rs3000
CONFERENCE DATE & VENUE



Date: October 22, 2014
Time: 9:00 – 17:30
Venue: Asian Institute of Technology and
Management (AITM), Lalitpur, Nepal
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Dr. Shanker Dhakal (GHEaSES, TNUN & NRNA Aust. SKI)
Dr. Vishnu Pradad Pandey (AITM)
Mr. Madhu Sudan Gautam (IFS& TNUN)
Mr. Sunil KC (AIDIA)
Mr. Prachanda Man Pradhan (KU)
Mr. Guna Raj Dhakal (GRID Nepal, WECAN,Urja News)
Mr. Mohan Raj Joshi (Nabil Bank)
Mr. Sadam Bala (TNUN &GHEaSES)
Mr. Kshitiz Khanal (GHEaSES)
Mr. Rabin Dhakal (GHEaSES)
Mr. Santosh Pandey (CB, TNUN &Clean Up Nepal)
Mr. Sagun Raj Lage (TNUN, CB)
Ms. Laxmi Adhikari (HAMS))
Mr. Om Raut (Freelance Intl. Consultant)
Mr. Sujan Ghimire (SMEC Intl & TNUN)
Mr. Prashidha Kharel (GHEaSES)
Mr. Susheel Sharma (SIDRI & GHEaSES)
Mr. Ganesh Sinkemana (Practical Action)
Mr. Sampad Jamarkattel (AEPC)
Mr. Bidur Gautam (Nepal Eng. College)
Mr. Shyam Sundar Khadka (KU, SEI)
Mr. Ramesh Pokhrel (IOE Pulchowk Campus)
Mr. RamHari Dhakal (SMEC-Shah Consultants)
Mr. Santosh Timilsina (Braindigit& TNUN)
Mr. Madhukar Basnet (NEA)
Mr. Narayan Neupane (Hydropower Engineer)
Mr. Jayandra Shrestha (Hydropower Engineer)
Mr. Sunil Ghaju (Hydropower Engineer)
Mr. Bishnu Raj Dhakal (Trimurty International Trade)
Mr. Bishnu Gautam (Uni. of Toronto, Canada)
Dr. Dhruba Panthi (Uni. of Tokyo &GHEaSES)
Dr. Rajendra Rijal (UTS, Australia)
Mr. Sagar Parajuli (Uni. of Texas at Austin, USA)
Mr. Bishnu Baral (Queen Mary Uni., UK)
Mr. Chhatra Basnet (NTNU, Norway)
Mr. Tilak Pokhrel (Uni. of Melbourne &GHEaSES)
Mr. Hem Motra (Bauhaus-Uni. Weimar Germany)
Mr. Paras Kharel(Uni. of Melbourne, Australia)
Mr. Bishnu Basnet (New Zealand)
Ms. Sweta Acharya (ETC Australia)
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
ORGANIZERS
GHEaSES
GHEaSES International Pvt. Ltd. is an international and
collaborative R&D private company of infrastructure
engineering and environment, currently registered and
active in Nepal. Established in later 2012, the company
has a prestigious and inclusive board and exceptionally
rich network, having been led by Dr. Shanker Dhakal
since its inception, which engages specialists from all
across the world. The company identifies and solves
engineering, economic and social problems related to
civil infrastructure and disaster management. The
company has now both full and part time staff including
research interns in its Kathmandu office. The company is
aimed at achieving commercialization of innovative
ideas and research, and produce cadres of research
engineers, business analysts and R&D entrepreneurs
under a greater umbrella of the proposed G
Infrastructure Entrepreneurs (GIE), GHEaSES is well
known for its historic rockfall protection study at
Siddhababa area along Siddhartha Highway in 2012,
slope hazard risk modelling research project of 2013,
investigation of building structures built on hill slopes of
Nepal in 2014, in addition to a number of research and
consulting projects related to road survey, building
design and energy efficient mechanical system
experimentation conducted over the last couple of
years. GHEaSES has as an excellent track record of
sponsoring, organizing and participating seminars,
workshop and conferences in Nepal, the CEESDev 2014
being the largest one.
Contact:
Er. Dr. Shanker Dhakal, Email:
[email protected];
http://gheases.com.np/about/introduction/
AITM
The Asian Institute of Technology & Management
(AITM) was registered on 20 June 2012 to offer highquality national and international programs in Nepal.
Managed by experienced educationists and professionals,
with more than three decades of proven track record and
with both national and international experience, AITM
wishes to be a positive agent of change, within the
country, regionally and internationally, by collaborating
with AIT in Thailand, IMI University Center in
Switzerland, and other internationally reputed academic
institutions so as to draw upon their vast experience and
track record in operating in multi-national and multicultural academic settings. In offering international
programs in Nepal, the main aim will be to transform
Nepalese institutions of higher education into
outstanding seats of learning, equipped to foster highquality education, scholarship and research, to produce
enlightened citizens with strong moral and ethical values.
AITM has joined hands with two privately owned and
managed colleges, namely Little Angels’ College (LAC)
and Xavier Academy (XA) to form Nepal Education
Foundation – Consortium of Colleges, Nepal, now
known by its acronym NEF-CCN. The main objective of
forming this consortium was to create an entity that
could become a national university by virtue of its
physical facilities, academic programs and excellent
academic track record. NEF-CCN’s long-term objective
is to become a truly international university, with
international programs, international faculty and students
by 2020. In order to be different and unique, NEF-CCN
is building strategic alliances with reputable academic
institutions in Asia and beyond to offer international
academic programs, which can attract not only students
from within the country but from Asia and beyond. NEFCCN is fully committed be truly a center of academic
excellence in Asia. AITM is currently offering 3
international and 9 national programs. The total student
enrollment is over 1,100.
Contact: http://aitm.edu.np/
TNUN
TNUN is a young and novel integrated and
interdisciplinary professional association of intelligent
and specialist Nepalese people from research and
academia, industry, government and community, both
inside Nepal and abroad. Founded in later 2014 (after an
interim and test phase of more than a year having been
coordinated by Er. Dr. Shanker Dhakal, TNUN stands
upon a clear message of transforming Nepal by uniting
the intelligent cohort of Nepalese irrespective. TNUN
calls such a process as "Intelligent Development
Transformation" (IDTrans). The three stars in the logo of
TNUN represent its three keywords, namely Nepal,
Unite and Transform. Bringing like-minded and
supporting people, institutes and institutions
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
in organizing intelligent "satsang" like seminar and
conferences, driving publications including policy
documents, plans, guidelines, codes and innovative
models or technologies, formulating and executing
integrated development projects, and managing grants,
investment, awards and appreciation are part of TNUN’s
core objectives and routine activities. TNUN facilitates
and engages its partner organizations in projects of their
interests and relevance. TNUN organized its first
collaborative seminar on "New Generation Nepalese:
Dreams and Realities" in FNCCI Hall, Bhaktapur in June
2014. The historic CEESDev 2014 conference on energy
economics and sustainable development in November
of 2014 in AITM Hall, Lalitpur is the second significant
collaborative activity of TNUN.
Contact:
Er. Dr. Shanker Dhakal, Email: [email protected]
IFS
Institute for Frontier Studies (IFS) is an emerging think
tank located in Lalitpur, Nepal. With the aim to bridge
gap on research for generating knowledge through
qualitative and quantitative framework with the latest
applications of Econometrics and IT, IFS is committed to
help and support think tanks, academia, media,
researchers, professionals, development partners and
corporate sectors. It envisions to design and deliver high
quality research, teaching and professional services of
National/International need. In collaboration with a
number of partners in public and private sectors at home
and abroad, it is currently undertaking Research,
Monitoring and Evaluation, Surveys, Project/Program
Assessments, Trainings, Capacity Building, Institutional
Building, Policy Analysis, Policy Formulation, Teaching
and Consultancy services in multidisciplinary areas. It
enhances the capacity of utilizing and maximizing the art
of knowledge connecting local to global. It has been
internalized that in a very short span of time IFS has
added value in this regard to different sectors to
understand and deal with the complexities by unfolding
social, political, business, economic, environmental and
other emerging development issues.
Contact: Mr. Madhu Sudan Gautam, Email:
[email protected], www.ifsnepal.org
KU
Department of Civil and Geomatics Engineering (DCGE)
is one of the several engineering departments under
School of Engineering, Kathmandu University. The
department offers Bachelor of Engineering in Civil
Engineering (Specialization in Hydropower) and
Geomatics Engineering. It also offers graduate courses
like Master in Land Administration and MS by Research
programs. DCGE has focused in Research from the
beginning of its establishment. Currently there are four
research groups namely Hydropower, Engineering
Structure, Tunneling and Geomatics research groups.
Civil Engineering and Geomatics Engineering programs
have extensive laboratory exercises. There are different
labs for different purposes including, Survey Lab,
Remote Sensing and GIS Lab, Soil and Rock Mechanics
Lab, Construction Materials Lab, Structural Analysis Lab,
Transportation Engineering Lab, Geology Lab, and
Strength of Materials Lab. Other lab activities workshop
lab, computer lab, electrical lab, science lab are
conducted in cooperation with other department and
schools.
Contact:Acting HOD Asst. Prof. Prachand Man Pradhan;
Email: [email protected],http://www.ku.edu.np/
WECAN:
Water
and
Energy
Consultants'
Association,
Nepal founded in September 14, 2009 (BS 2066-05-29)
and registered in District Administrative Office in
Kathmandu. The need of such an organization was
realized largely to address the issues and problems faced
by the consultants in a unified way. The vision of
WECAN is to become key player in the development of
water and energy sectors by providing quality services at
national and international level and the mission of
WECAN is to maximize the role of Nepalese experts
through the creation of consortium of consultants
working in water and energy sectors.
Contact: http://www.wecan.org.np/
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014
AIDIA:
Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs
(AIDIA) is a research, consultation as well as study
based organization in the field of diplomacy and
international Affairs. It was established on March 09,
2014 headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal. Its Council of
Administration is composed of academicians, diplomats
and bureau. Its vision is to create a globally competitive
and recognized institution that will not only promote
high quality of education in Nepal but also work for the
betterment of the country's national interest and propel it
towards great progress. AIDIA hopes to develop and
maintain diplomatic relations with nation's which will
benefit both parties and which will also help in bringing
in a much broader global perspective. They also aim to
provide Bachelor's degree and Master's degree by the
year 2018.
capitalized upon whenever Government of Nepal needs,
for both consulting and peer review purposes in large and
important development projects. Thanks to the activism
of our member Er. Dr. Shanker Dhakal, it is a great
pleasure for NRNA Australia SKI to be collaborating
with like-minded colleagues and institutes in Nepal for
the topical CEESDev 2014 conference in Nepal, in
support of the sought goal of achieving so called
“Intelligent Development Transformation” of Nepal
which is in line with our own objectives.
Contact:
SKI Australia Coordinator: Dr. Binod Shrestha, Email:
[email protected];
SKI ICC Coordinator: Dr. Raju Adhikari, Email:
[email protected]
NRNA Australia SKI:
One of the flagship projects of NRNA ICC as well as
NRNA Australia, SKI stands for Skill, Knowledge and
Innovation transfer. SKI is a channel for the highly
qualified and skilled NRNs from all around the world to
contribute in development of our home country, Nepal.
SKI team is working at policy level with the Government
of Nepal, and is attempting to implement a few model
research and educational projects, including the Open
University. Under a coordination of Dr. Binod Shrestha,
NRNA Australia SKI has become a leader in
implementing the vision of SKI. Very recently, a project
entitled “Transfer, evaluation and dissemination of an
innovative fertilizer management tool (Nutrient Expert)
for increasing crop yields and farmers’ income”, having
been led by a Melbourne-based Scientist, Dr.
JagadishTimilsina, has been endorsed by NRNA
Australia committee led by Mr. MahendraOli, and
piloted in the eastern region of Nepal. This was one of
the attractive and transferable projects presented in NRN
Australia SKI Workshop at Sydney in July 2014. Further
information on this can be found in the NRN Australia
website and the LinkedIn group of NRN Australia
professionals/SKI. The SKI team has been currently
working in preparing the Expert Database which can be
National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development, October 22, 2014