Renewable energy perspective plan of nepal 200-2020 an ... - SNV

even a rural layman can be trained to produce briquettes at household levels. In fact
this technology could be very useful and appropriate in case of rural and remote
Nepal.
Some of the problems faced in the promotion of briquetting technology in Nepal are
high cost of collection of raw materials, wear and tear of screw and barrel, localized
environmental impacts due to emission of CO, CO 2, SO x , air pollution during
production, lack of government commitment to technology, etc. In spite of these
problems, the manufacturers claim that many of these problems can be solved and the
use of briquettes is more economic and efficient than the uses of rice husk directly.
4.2.3 Gasifier
Although gasification is a promising technology that has been tried in India and other
developing counties with a mixed result. In spite of technology being promising, the
extent of work that has been carried out in this field in Nepal is limited to laboratory
experiments at the Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST)
in early eighties.
Most recently, a renewed interest in biomass gasification has been demonstrated by a
pilot project under UNDP -Nepal's Rural Energy Development Programme with a 5
horse power biomass gasification plant. The technical details and result of the pilot
project are not available yet. However, scientists and technologists working in the
pilot project revealed that technology has potential in Nepal and can prove to be a
viable energy alternative for rural areas if it is disseminated in an integrated package
such as agro-processing with proper arrangement for financing and training.
The concept that technologies like charcoal making and gasification lead to mass
forest deforestation has played negative role in the development and dissemination
these technologies. However, with proper forest management, gasifier technology
may be promoted as modem biomass technology that would enhance efficiency of
biomass use.
4.2.4 Improved Cook Stoves (ICS)
Appreciating the usefulness of Improved Cook Stoves for rural development, various
organizations have been promoting this simple and cheap technology for many years.
Since 1980. ICS programme began in earnest. HMG/N had pla yed an important role
in promoting and disseminating it. The only large scale ICS programme earned out in
Nepal was through the Community Forestry Development Division (CFDD), which
was suspended in 1991.
Initially, the ceramic-insert-type stove was prefabricated and distributed to the users
free of cost. The ceramic insert-type design was not suitable for many rural
applications and because it was freely distributed to the users, its value was not
appreciated. About, 44.000 insert type stoves were distributed of which 35% are
believed to be in operation (NPC. 1998). At present, the ceramic insert-type design
has been abandoned in favor of stoves built on site using locally available materials
and skills. A number of NGOs and INGOs have included ICS as an integral part of
their overall development objectives and programmes. NGOs and INGOs working in
the areas of literacy, health and sanitation, woman's development, energy and
environment have been promoting and disseminating ICSs. Stressing user motivation