Status of Geothermal Energy in Nepal

Abstract

Most of the major geothermal springs of Nepal arc localized close and north of the Main Central and south of the Main Boundary Fault. Three springs have a surface temperature above The geothermameter temperatures of eight springs are in the range of 80 At present the use of these thermal spring is largely confined to bathing and laundering purposes. The location of these springs in sparsely populated areas, mostly in the remote, steep Himalayan terrain, and the absence of adequate of the utilization of low temperature thermal waters have been the major impediments to the promotion of this resource. Heavy dependence on biomass, mainly wood, as the major fuel has given rise serious environmental problems in the mountainous parts of Nepal. There is a good potential for the use of some the accessible thermal waters for a wide range of economically productive purposes and for combatting environmental pollution. Detailed scientific studies should be conducted to gain more information about the reservoirs.