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Microhydro electrification and climate change adaptation in Nepal: socioeconomic lessons from the Rural Energy Development Program (REDP)

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  • Olivia Gippner
  • Saroj Dhakal
  • Benjamin Sovacool

Abstract

This article explores the potential for microhydro installations in Nepal to improve adaptive capacity in addition to their ability to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. After explaining its methods of data collection—namely field research and research interviews—the article explores the climate change adaptation benefits of microhydro plants being promoted under the Renewable Energy Development Project (REDP). Besides displacing fossil fuels, in particular kerosene for lighting, microhydro electrification offers an effective way of improving community assets and bolstering social resilience (thereby enhancing the adaptive capacity of communities there). Our own survey of REDP project sites reveals how microhydro units have improved community income levels, equalized gender roles, enhanced access to education and information, and reduced migration patterns. The article concludes by highlighting three key lessons—the role of extensive community mobilization, proactive capacity building for efficient electricity use, and the need for comprehensiveness—for those wishing to adapt to climate change in other rural and developing economies. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Olivia Gippner & Saroj Dhakal & Benjamin Sovacool, 2013. "Microhydro electrification and climate change adaptation in Nepal: socioeconomic lessons from the Rural Energy Development Program (REDP)," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 18(4), pages 407-427, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:masfgc:v:18:y:2013:i:4:p:407-427
    DOI: 10.1007/s11027-012-9367-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. J.B. (Hans) Opschoor, 2009. "Sustainability," Chapters, in: Jan Peil & Irene van Staveren (ed.), Handbook of Economics and Ethics, chapter 69, Edward Elgar Publishing.
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    Cited by:

    1. Islar, Mine & Brogaard, Sara & Lemberg-Pedersen, Martin, 2017. "Feasibility of energy justice: Exploring national and local efforts for energy development in Nepal," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 668-676.
    2. Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Ryan, Sarah E., 2016. "The geography of energy and education: Leaders, laggards, and lessons for achieving primary and secondary school electrification," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 107-123.
    3. Shah, Sheikh Khaleduzzaman & Aye, Lu & Rismanchi, Behzad, 2020. "Multi-objective optimisation of a seasonal solar thermal energy storage system for space heating in cold climate," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 268(C).
    4. Palit, Debajit & Bandyopadhyay, Kaushik Ranjan, 2016. "Rural electricity access in South Asia: Is grid extension the remedy? A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1505-1515.
    5. Hussain, Abid & Sarangi, Gopal K. & Pandit, Anju & Ishaq, Sultan & Mamnun, Nabir & Ahmad, Bashir & Jamil, Muhammad Khalid, 2019. "Hydropower development in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region: Issues, policies and opportunities," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 446-461.

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