Can a geospatial model predict energy storage capacity across the Nepal Himalayas?

In this study, we configured a geospatial model to identify the potential of PSH across the Nepal Himalayas under multiple configurations by pairing lakes, hydropower projects, rivers, and available flat terrain, and consequently estimate the energy storage capacity.

Does Nepal have a potential for off-river hydro storage?

Nepal has enormous potential for off-river PHES. 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 .

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.

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.

Can solar power power the Nepalese energy system?

Nepal has vast low-cost off-river pumped hydro-energy-storage potential, thus eliminating the need for on-river hydro storage and moderating the need for large-scale batteries. Solar, with support from hydro and battery storage, is likely to be the primary route for renewable electrification and rapid growth of the Nepalese energy system.

How much energy is used for cooking in Kathmandu?

Energy consumption for cooking has grown significantly in the Kathmandu valley. It is estimated to amount to 200 MW annually and is expected to rise even further in the future [ 49 ]. For every 10 LPG cylinders delivered to Nepal, 6 are used in the Kathmandu valley alone.