Solar and wind energy potential assessment at provincial level in Nepal: Geospatial and economic analysis. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neupane, Deependra; Kafle, Sagar; Karki, Kaji Ram; Kim, Dae Hyun; Pradhan, Prajal
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 181(2022)
• Page Start: 278
• Page End: 291
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Solar energy -- Wind energy -- Development phases -- Spatial analysis -- Economic analysis -- Nepal; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.09.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: Renewable energies, such as solar and wind energy, play a critical role in achieving rapid decarbonization to limit global warming by replacing fossil energy. However, lack of knowledge on renewable energy potentials in developing countries is a barrier in making adequate policies to promote these energies. Thus, we have carried out a spatial and economic analysis of solar and wind energy potential at the provincial level for the first time in Nepal. Our analysis is built upon the spatial energy modeling based on technical, geographical, and economic suitability criteria, utilizing open-source geographical information system platforms. A significant amount of renewable energy could be harnessed in Nepal, i.e., up to about 47, 628 MW and 1, 686 MW from solar and wind energy, respectively. Similarly, Nepal has a co-location potential of about 890 and 267 MW of solar and wind energy. Karnali and Gandaki provinces have the highest solar and wind energy potential due to a large share of suitable locations with good resource quality. We estimate the 10th percentile of Levelized cost of electricity generation of 91 USD/MWh for solar and 46 USD/MWh for wind. Our findings are helpful for the formulation of resource-specific policies of Nepal at a sub-national level. Highlights: We estimate Nepal's solar and wind energy potentials at the province level. We categorize Nepal's solar and wind energy development in four phases. Nepal can harness up to 47, 628 MW of solar and 1, 686 MW of wind energy. The Annapurna Conservation Area has more than 60% of Nepal's wind energy potential. Energy policies need to go beyond small-scale systems to utilize these potentials.