Geothermal Energy Update of Nepal

Abstract

Six new geothermal areas have been identified in Nepal during the update period. Of these, the thermal spring in Hatiyana (Sankhuwasabha district) is the first one ever identified in the eastern part of Nepal. Other four are located in La Ta Manang (2400m in Manang district, Western Nepal), and DanaTatopani (1190 m in Myagdi district, northern–central Nepal) along the famous Annapurna trekking circuit, Dhadkhark (Myagdi district), and Dhima in Mustang district. The thermal location at Dana Tatopani issues water as high as 67° C. Scientific studies about these springs are still lacking. Nepal’s energy scenario has not changed significantly during the update period. It still focuses much on hydroelectricity generation. Nepal launched a five years’ National Rural Energy Programme (NRREP) in 2012 which mainly intends to provide subsidy rather than conducting any research and development (R&D) activities. It has encompassed wind energy for the first time. Amidst the political crisis, a number of international agencies are instrumental to help utilize renewable energy sources like biomass, solar energy, and improved cook stoves to some extent during the update period. However, geothermal energy has still remained the neglected area, due largely to the lack of road access to geothermal areas, trained and motivated manpower, financial resource, economic viability of utilizing geothermal energy for electricity generation and lack of knowledge about its direct use. However, at the local level, dramatic developments have place in some geothermal fields like Singa Tatopani, Darmija Tatopan and Ghorepani Tatopani – all located in Myagdi district. With local efforts, infrastructural development and management of geothermal field have taken place in a significant way in Singa Tatopani. It has also contributed to tourism development and improving health conditions of the rural people. This site can be cited as a model for the geothermal development workers willing to do something on their own. District Development Committees in other geothermal areas have been active to improve the physical infrastructure. With the expansion of North-South Highways and completion of Lok Marg (Highway) that runs through mid-hill region linking east – west border of the country, the prospect of harnessing geothermal energy has increased tremendously. There exists a good scope for the local entrepreneurs and international community to invest money in the direct utilization of this energy resource, conducting geophysical-chemical studies, and developing infrastructure that promotes tourism in a number of geothermal areas. Central part of Nepal is the area where the preliminary study shows the existence of a large geothermal area suitable for harnessing it.