Electricity as a Cooking Means in Nepal—A Modelling Tool Approach

Abstract

Cooking energy has an important role in energy demand of Nepal. Over the last decade, import of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has increased by 3.3 times as an alternate cooking fuel to kerosene and firewood. The growing subsidy burden to endorse modern fuel switching from traditional energy sources and high import of LPG are challenges for sustainability and energy security. This paper analyzes the future residential cooking energy demand and its environmental and economic impacts from 2015 to 2035 using a Long-range Energy Alternative Planning System (LEAP) tool. In 2035, the LPG demand for cooking is projected to be 26.5 million GJ, 16.3 million GJ, 45.2 million GJ and 58.2 million GJ for business as usual (BAU), low growth rate (LGR), medium growth rate (MGR) and high growth rate (HGR) scenarios, respectively. To substitute LPG with electricity in the cooking sector by 2035, an additional 1207 MW, 734 MW, 2055 MW and 2626 MW hydropower installation is required for BAU, LGR, MGR and HGR scenarios, respectively. In the MGR scenario, substituting LPG with electricity could save from $21.8 million (2016) to $70.8 million (2035) each year, which could be used to develop large-scale hydropower projects in the long term.

Comparison of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cookstoves and Wood Cooking Fires on PM2.5 Trends in Brick Workers’ Homes in Nepal

“…In the absence of large fossil fuel sources, Nepal is obliged to import LPG fuel primarily from India [ 36 ]. The demand for LPG fuel, particularly in urban areas such as the Kathmandu valley, is expected to increase by 3.9%–4.9% per year through 2040 [ 37 ], even while the cost of LPG has increased by 8% annually [ 38 ].…”

“…The demand for LPG fuel, particularly in urban areas such as the Kathmandu valley, is expected to increase by 3.9%–4.9% per year through 2040 [ 37 ], even while the cost of LPG has increased by 8% annually [ 38 ]. Currently, the government of Nepal subsidizes the cost of LPG, but there is a movement to discontinue these subsidies and to divert that money to the development of hydroelectric power [ 36 ]. Thus, efforts to transition brick workers from open wood fires to LPG cookstoves will require monitoring and reporting to identify ongoing sociopolitical impacts, such as increasing LPG fuel cost, that may create barriers to use.…”

“…Thus, efforts to transition brick workers from open wood fires to LPG cookstoves will require monitoring and reporting to identify ongoing sociopolitical impacts, such as increasing LPG fuel cost, that may create barriers to use. Given the vast, undeveloped hydroelectric potential in Nepal [ 36 ], low-cost electric cookstoves may provide a long-term solution to decrease indoor air pollution exposure among brick workers. However, there may also be a significant time lag for the development of hydroelectric power generation and distribution of sufficient electricity throughout the Kathmandu valley.…”

Scenario analysis for energy banking between Nepal & India from Nepali perspective

“…i Constant annual growth rate of 8% [8] ii Categorized annual growth rates for Domestic, Commercial, Industrial and others consumer as 12.85%, 16.26%, 20.64% and 17.23% respectively [11] iii The intervention of Induction Chulo is considered as additional 10% of total households each year with daily energy consumption of an Induction Chulo is considered 4 kWh per day [12]. [10].…”

A Bi-Level Programming Model of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Transportation Operation for Urban Road Network by Period-Security

“…LPG's potential risks and accident damages have urgently compelled the creation of a series of directives in countries worldwide [7][8][9] which clarify the dangers, the methods for avoiding accidents, and even the rescue protocols for such accidents. Although some researchers (Godwin Glivin et al [10], Ramchandra Bhandari et al [11]) are seeking the substitution of LPG energy, such as biowaste and electricity, there are still many scientists that regard LPG as one of the most sustainable green energies. Laurencas Raslavičius et al [12] evaluated LPG as a clean, relatively low cost, and abundant energy source that provides affordable fuel-efficient transportation, and they discussed different types of existing LPG fuel delivery systems and requirements for gas equipment.…”