Nepal - India-Nepal joint venture to tap wind power

An Indian company and a Nepali firm have recently formed a joint venture company -- USP Wind and Power System - in Kathmandu to tap wind energy. Executive director of the joint-venture, Surendra Bahadur Singh, said on Friday, “This company aims to tap wind to generate electricity in the Kathmandu Valley and remote districts,” said Singh. Wind energy projects can play a vital role in rural electrification, Singh said.

According to Shiv Raj Uday, an official representing the Indian firm, the Indian government had been providing grant of more than 80 percent for generation of wind energy in India. He said the Indian side had provided technical and financial support for the joint-venture.

Findings of a study undertaken by the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) under the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology suggest that Nepal can generate 3,000 megawatt (MW) of power by tapping wind energy. The study was carried out in Mustang, Ramecchap, Kathmandu, Okhaldhunga, Makwanpur, Palpa, Pyuthan, Myagdi and Kaski districts.

According to the findings, 70 MW can be generated in the valley by tapping wind energy. The government aims to generate 20 MW in the Kathmandu valley. One kilowatt (KW) produced from wind energy can light 12 CFL bulbs (each having capacity of 15 watt), two fans, three television sets and two computers, the study found. One-kilowatt bulb can produce electricity for seven to nine hours continuously, said Singh.

For more information please contact Trevor Sievert at ts@windfair.net