REVIEW OF ARTICLE ON SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS OF NEPALESE MINI-GRID

The article on socioeconomic aspects of Nepalese mini-grid was written by V. Bhandari, B. Adhikary, R. Dahal, R.K. Maskey, N. Shrestha with the co-operation of Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Centre of Excellence in Production and Transportation of Electrical Energy, School of Engineering, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal and Krishna Grills and Engineering works Private Limited, Biratnagar, Nepal. This article mainly focuses on the socioeconomic aspect of mini-grid system for developing countries like Nepal. There are many advantages and benefits of having mini-grid connection for power supply and the major benefits are highlighted in this article in very precise and effective manner. Nepal is rich in renewable energy source but it has not been fully utilized yet, so still many rural areas of Nepal lacking behind due to lack of electricity. Micro Hydro Plants (MHPs) have been essential source of electrical energy in rural areas of Nepal from decades. Mini grid is a new technology for Nepal and various governmental/non-governmental, national/international organizations are initiating their work in this sector. Typically socioeconomic aspects are measured in terms of economic indices like employment and monetary gain etc. but the sociocultural and environmental issues are neglected. In this article also there is main focus on the socioeconomic aspect. The social aspects are classified into two topics viz., increased standard of living and social cohesion and stability. Due to availability of electricity there will be increase in employment related opportunities, standard of health and educational condition, mitigation of migration problem and overall development of the area. Entrepreneurship opportunities shall be established to run small and medium size industries which will also provide better employment facilities for the locals. Protection of environment from harmful effects of deforestation and CO2 will be enhanced by the use of electrical device and reducing the use of biomass / fuel-wood. The health and education standard of people will increase and risk of respiratory tract disease will be minimized. Mini-grid system also provides social cohesion between the communities. After forming Minigrid ,vital maintenance of one power plant can be carried out without interrupting the supply to critical loads. The local people shall also be technically adapted to connect the power plants with one another. These activities shall promote better co-ordination and sense of togetherness among the power plant owner and users. The electricity supply will be reliable and the user can get equality and continuous supply of electricity. As the VDCs connected through Mini-grids are expected to be the center for trade and commerce, people are expected to migrate to such places and increase the economy and living standard of that place. Mini-grid is an innovative concept for country like Nepal. The benefits and opportunities of Mini-grid seem to be more promising in the coming days. This article has tried to identify some of the socio-economic factors associated with it.