1 Background
Article 51 (f) 3 of the constitution of Nepal has mentioned “ensuring reliable and affordable energy supply and proper utilization of energy by generation and development of renewable energy for the fulfillment of citizen’s basic needs.” There is a need for sufficient and reliable energy supply to achieve this goal. Nepal has been facing some complex but mutually interrelated energy challenges, such as, nearly one fourth of the total population still being outside the reach of modern energy sources; a wide gap between energy demand and supply; supply vulnerability and reduction in foreign currency reserves due to existing dependence on energy import.
With economic, physical and social development, Nepal has aimed to achieve the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations and reach the level of medium income countries by 2030 A.D. Among the sustainable development goals, the seventh goal is aimed to ensure the accessibility of affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all whereas the twelfth goal is aimed to promote sustainable and accountable production and use. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to establish policy, legal and institutional framework that ensures the availability of affordable and reliable energy and its efficient use. The current fourteenth plan has also mentioned to establish policy and institutional framework to promote energy efficiency in Nepal[1]. An integrated national energy policy incorporating energy efficiency and demand side management of energy as well as legal and institutional arrangements are yet to be established for promotion of energy efficiency.
In order to promote sustainable supply of biomass energy available from animal waste, human excreta, fuelwood, agricultural residue, trees, forest residues including any biodegradable matters and to improve the efficient use of such biomass energy, the government of Nepal has already developed and adopted the Biomass Energy Strategy 2073. This strategy has been prepared for the promotion of energy efficiency and demand side management of energy, energy conservation, for the sustainable development of primarily modern and improved energy sources including hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, coal, natural gas, LPG and other petroleum products except biomass energy (which is also called traditional energy).
2 Past Efforts
In Nepal, efforts like study and analysis related to energy efficiency can be found to have started since 1985 whereas during 1999 to 2005 AD , initiatives like energy audits of industries, energy efficiency related trainings and increase in public awareness as well as management of loans for energy efficiency in industries were carried out. After that from 2009 to 2011, initiatives like demand side management of electricity, energy audit, study of electricity load profile, preparation of policy suggestions for promotion of energy efficiency as well as replacement of traditional bulbs with energy efficient bulbs were done under Nepal Electricity Authority.
By giving continuation to past attempts, since 2010, the tasks like providing policy suggestions related to energy efficiency and demand side management, energy auditing, energy efficiency human resource development etc. have been implemented through Nepal Energy Efficiency Programme. Additionally, Industrial Energy Management Project under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies has been conducting different training and awareness raising programs like energy auditing, energy auditor training the promotion of energy efficiency. In the process of establishing policy provisions, the government of Nepal has made a policy decision to supply electricity produced by sugar mills through cogeneration to the national grid as well as developed and approved the Biomass Energy Strategy, 2073.
3 Present Situation
There is a lack of awareness and publicity about the positive role energy efficiency can play for supply of sustainable, adequate and reliable energy supply in Nepal. Policy, legal and institutional frameworks have not yet been established to recognize energy efficiency as an additional source of energy and to remove potential barriers in energy efficiency promotion. Likewise, energy efficiency has not yet been fully integrated in overall energy system.
Nepal’s annual electricity consumption per capita in 2074 B.S. has found only 190-kilowatt hour. Nepal’s level of energy utilization is lower in comparison with those of other nations in South Asia. According to the recent financial survey for the fiscal year 2073/74 of Government of Nepal, there was 1.19 ton of oil equivalent[2]of energy consumed in Nepal for generating a gross domestic product of USD 1000. This means Nepal’s total energy intensity is seen to be almost double of that of South Asia. During the same year according to the survey, only about 22 percent of total energy consumption was fulfilled by modern energy sources. The ever increasing import of fossil fuels and also electricity has made the condition of energy supply and energy security extremely weak and vulnerable. Almost all the amount of foreign earnings received from Nepal’s commodity is being spent on energy import. Energy efficiency can be one of the measures to address current condition of energy poverty and over dependency on energy imports.
4 Challenges and Opportunities
4.1 Challenges
Energy efficiency is a wide and interdisciplinary subject that affects various fields and stakeholders. Despite the fact that efficient use of energy can have an important contribution in the overall development of the country and can help in improvement of energy access and energy security, energy efficiency has not been able to enjoy adequate priority in Nepal. Although there exists an arrangement in Industrial Management Act, 2073 Chapter 5, Article 22 (1) “m” to exempt all tax on investment in devices or equipments that help in reducing energy consumption by increasing energy efficiency, such legal instrument is yet be implemented due to lack of necessary regulations, directories and other arrangements in place.
Due to the lack of proper guidance for implementing energy efficiency program, various efforts and initiatives have not been able to maintain harmony and achieve expected successes. In the past, as different energy efficiency initiatives and activities were implemented in isolation, holistic and sustainable results could not be achieved and energy efficiency could not be accepted as an important part of energy strategy. Due to the lack of necessary awareness, energy efficiency could not be considered as an integral part of overall energy system not only among the general consumers but also among policy makers and at the implementation level. Energy efficiency has so far remained in the shadow also because of the lack of an institutional set up with necessary resources, accountability and clear jurisdiction to address energy efficiency in Nepal. Nepal has been facing various types of challenges to implement and institutionalize energy efficiency initiatives, some of which are as follows:
4.1.1 To integrate with priority energy efficiency along with energy supply in the planning, implementation and management of the overall energy sector of the nation.
4.1.2 To establish a capable institutional structure and regulatory mechanism for implementing the energy efficiency programme by formulating appropriate policy, legal system and strategy.
4.1.3 To formulate policies related to existing finance, tax and energy tariff in order to make energy market energy efficiency friendly.
4.1.4 To increase access to financial resources for energy efficiency
4.1.5 To enhance the technology and technological capacity related to energy efficiency
4.2 Opportunities
The following opportunities exist for promotion of energy efficiency:
4.2.1 Promotion of energy efficiency can give attractive financial returns even with lower investment.
4.2.2 Energy conservation is relatively cheaper and more effective compared to energy generation.
4.2.3 Energy efficiency can assist in reducing trade imbalance in the country by reducing energy import.
4.2.4 Energy efficiency can create more employment opportunities by making energy market cheaper and more competitive.
4.2.5 Energy efficiency can increase the energy access.
4.2.6 Energy efficiency can help increase energy security by reducing energy import and energy deficiency.
4.2.7 Energy efficiency can help in achieving the goals of sustainable development, in reducing carbon emission and environmental imbalance and in minimizing the negative effects of climate change.
5 Rationale of the Strategy
As there is no arrangement of a separate strategy related to promotion energy efficiency so far, it is necessary to formulate such strategy. The present need is to include energy efficiency strategy in a comprehensive and integrated energy strategy and make the development, implementation and management of energy efficiency initiatives sustainable and effective. It is extremely necessary to have the energy efficiency strategy for establishing necessary legal and institutional structure required for implementation and monitoring energy efficiency programmes as well as for interagency coordination. Likewise, energy efficiency strategy will be required to formulate and implement strategic planning of integrated sustainable development initiatives.
6 Vision, Mission and Goals
6.1 Vision
To assist in energy security by increasing the energy access through efficient use of available energy.
6.2 Mission
To promote energy efficiency by effectively implementing energy efficiency programmes through establishing policy, legal and institutional frameworks.
6.3 Goals
To double the average improvement rate of energy efficiency in Nepal from 0.84% per year, which existed during the period of 2000 -2015 AD to 1.68% per year in 2030 AD.
7 Objectives
7.1 Support to economic growth by reducing energy intensity and increasing productivity
7.2 Reduce existing energy shortage, increase energy access and provide important contribution to energy security by efficient use of energy.
7.3 Create employment opportunities by creation, expansion and commercialization of energy efficiency market
7.4 Maintain environmental balance and bring positive improvements in health by efficient use of energy.
8 Strategy
8.1 Generate awareness on energy efficiency from the consumers’ level to policy makers’ level. (7.2; 7.3)
8.2 Establish policy, legal and institutional frameworks for resources management, resources mobilization, infrastructure development and human resources development required
for energy efficiency. (7.4)
8.3 Develop national standards for energy efficiency based on established international and regional standards as well as to develop equipments and means for measuring energy efficiency. (7.4)
8.4 Make services and production cost effective and competitive by reducing energy consumption needed for production of goods and services. (7.1)
8.5 Reduce energy import by energy conservation. (7.1; 7.2)
9 Working Principles
The following action plans will be considered for the implementation of aforementioned strategies (the Strategy implementation action plan is included in the Schedule) :
9.1 Generate awareness on energy efficiency from the consumers’ level to policy makers’ level.
9.1.1 Conduct public awareness campaigns related to energy efficiency by targeting household sector.
9.1.2 Conduct energy efficiency initiatives by targeting consumers of industrial, commercial and transport sectors.
9.1.3 Conduct energy efficiency initiatives for farmers about energy efficient equipments in agriculture and their uses.
9.1.4 Include subject materials related to energy efficiency into the curriculum of educational institutions and conduct activities related to energy efficiency.
9.1.5 Conduct activities related to energy efficiency in public and community organizations.
9.2 Establish policy, legal and institutional frameworks for resources management, resources mobilization, infrastructure development and human resources development required for energy efficiency.
9.2.1 Establish an energy efficiency entity for promotion, development and implementation of energy efficiency.
9.2.2 Strengthen the existing energy efficiency cell in the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation as well as formulate and implement various activities related to energy efficiency.
9.2.3 Carry out research and study on energy efficiency and demand side management as well as promote and develop energy efficient technologies also in collaboration with relevant ongoing projects.
9.2.4 Develop an appropriate system for commercialization and market expansion of energy efficient technologies. Ensure energy efficiency during production, import or sales of technology and equipments.
9.3 Develop national standards for energy efficiency based on established international and regional standards as well as to develop equipments and means for measuring energy efficiency.
9.3.1 Carry out detailed study and energy audits of electrical and mechanical appliances in energy consuming various sectors and identify energy saving measures by developing energy performance standards.
9.3.2 Conduct activities that promote the use of energy efficient equipments in transport and industrial sectors and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emission.
9.3.3 Determine energy efficiency standards and label of equipments being used in energy consuming different sectors and ensure their compliance.
9.3.4 Ensure the human resources development and capacity enhancement needed for the production, commercialization and technology transfer of energy efficiency related goods and services through the use of energy efficient technologies.
9.4 Make services and production cost effective and competitive by reducing energy consumption needed for production of goods and services.
9.4.1 Institutionalize energy efficiency in Nepal through the development of National Energy Efficiency Action Plan.
9.4.2 Identify large-scale electricity consumers and conduct their energy audit.
9.4.3 Prepare necessary human resources for energy audits by conducting energy auditors’ training as required for various fields and by establishing an accreditation system of energy auditors.
9.4.4 Develop minimum energy performance standards for electrical and mechanical equipments being used in various sectors.
9.4.5 Conduct various activities related to energy audits in industrial, commercial and public sectors.
9.5 Reduce energy import by energy conservation.
9.5.1 Reduce energy imports by utilizing the energy saved through energy efficiency
9.5.2 Carry out study and research on reducing peak demand and implement various programmes on demand side management of energy.
10 Implementation of Strategy
According to the arrangement provided by the constitution of Nepal, the implementation of this strategy will be done through the participation of local, provincial and federal level stakeholders for the rational use of energy and for the promotion of energy efficiency as follows:
10.1 Sector-wise Implementation and Management
For the implementation of energy efficiency programmes, sectors will be identified in local, provincial and federal level based on energy consumption and appropriate energy efficiency measures for each sector will be implemented. Necessary framework conditions will be established in order to implement, regulate and monitor these measures. Energy efficiency standards and label of the equipment to be used in various energy-consuming sectors will be determined. Use of energy efficient machines, equipment, tools or goods will be encouraged. In order to ensure the quality assurance of such equipments as per the prescribed standards, they will be checked at the entry point in case of imported goods and at the very production point in case domestically produced machines, equipment, tools or goods will be checked for being as per the fixed quality criteria at the import point in case of imported goods and at production point for domestically produced machines, equipments, tools or goods.
10.2 Time-bound Implementation
For the implementation of energy efficiency, short-term, mid-term and long-term measures will be adopted in local, provincial and federal level. In order to address the current transitional phase of energy shortage, awareness raising measures on use of energy saving equipment and technology as a short-term measure will be encouraged. As a mid-term measure, in order to increase the use of energy efficient appliance and technology, appropriate arrangements of development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of a fiscal incentive mechanism will be established. As the long-term measures, necessary energy efficiency initiatives will be adopted in all energy consuming sector for the sustainable, reliable, efficient and quality use of available energy.
10.3 Stakeholders Participation
As per the arrangement of the Schedule (8) of the constitution of Nepal, electrical services fall under the shared jurisdiction of local, province and federal levels. Likewise, as per the Local Government Operation Act 2074 Article (11) Sub-Article (4) (c) (1), the electricity distribution service and electricity system management fall under the jurisdiction of local bodies. While implementing energy efficiency programmes or adopting energy efficiency measures, enabling environment for participation of and support from relevant stakeholders of all three levels created. In energy efficiency activities, proper coordination will be made among the government authority; the consumers; and the agency, firm or company that produce or import technology, goods or equipments.
11 Legal Aspect
For the meantime, the implementation of energy efficiency will be made effective and result oriented through the issue of an executive order or directive. Additionally, existing energy related acts, rules and legal arrangements will be reviewed, necessary amendments will be made and required legal arrangements will be established.
12 Institutional Structure
An energy efficiency entity will be designated for the promotion, development and implementation of energy efficiency. Such entity will ensure the coordination among the relevant stakeholders; implement this strategy; develop a National Energy Efficiency Action Plan; implement the Plan; monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Plan as a regulatory body. In coordination and under the leadership of energy efficiency entity, separate energy efficiency strategy implementation and monitoring units will be established in all designated implementing agencies.
13 Financial Aspect
The Government of Nepal will arrange necessary financial resources from local and national private, cooperative and public sector stakeholders to ensure additional financial and technical capabilities required for successful and effective implementation of this strategy. In addition to that, necessary financial resources will be managed by mobilizing financial and technical assistance available from national and international investors and international development partners[3].
14 Research and Development
Emphasis will be given to necessary study, research, technology development and expansion as well as technology transfer for making energy efficiency programmes successful, affordable, effective, result-oriented and accessible to all. Cooperation and collaboration for applied research will be developed among the authorities implementing energy efficiency programmes, educational institutions and research agencies.
15 Monitoring and Evaluation
The main responsibility of monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of this strategy will stay with the Ministry of Water Resources, Energy and Irrigation. However, while doing so, the participation of the other concerned ministries, departments and all relevant stakeholders will be ensured. Arrangements will be made to annually publish the progress achieved and results obtained regarding the status of the set targets and implementation of this strategy. Apart from this, necessary arrangements will be made to annually publish the statistics including the investments made in energy efficiency; the savings made through these investments; and achieved returns on investments; etc. This strategy will be periodically reviewed and amended as per the necessity.
The following indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of this strategy:
a) Annual records of energy efficiency improvements will be established and the progress in achieving the set goals will be monitored and evaluated by measuring the energy intensity
b) Periodic monitoring and evaluation of the indicators related to the achievements of the Nepal’s sustainable development goal 7.3 related to the energy efficiency will be done
c) In order to implement the 5-working principles as determined by this strategy, a National Energy Efficiency Action Plan will be formulated and regular monitoring and evaluation of the implementation status of the sectoral action plans based on the defined indicators