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.

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 .

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.

Is solar PV a viable option in Nepal?

Nepal has enormous potential for the deployment of off-river PHES systems, which have a much lower environmental and social impact than river-based hydro storage. The economic advantage of solar PV over fossil and hydro energy in a mature and competitive market is compelling. However, several factors can impede the rapid deployment of solar PV.

Can pumped hydro be used to store energy in Nepal?

For several hours, overnight and seasonal storage, pumped hydro is much cheaper. Batteries and pumped hydro are complementary storage technologies. 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.

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.