Introduction | Track 1 | Track 2
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As a community-based and community owned organisation, LEDCO seeks to provide benefits to local communities. As a company, LEDCO with its Track 2 activities seeks to become a leading expert in rural energy development in Nepal so that it may be able to reach the greatest number of people. The formulation of Community Based Integrated Energy Plan (CBIEP) was our first step towards attaining this goal.
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To effectively address the energy needs of the local community, LEDCO initiated the CBIEP, which is fully described in the past projects section. From the conclusions reached by this innovative study, the following technologies are being implemented in partnership with local NGOs and governing bodies.
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The CBIEP planning process identified that by far the largest amount of energy used in the villages was consumed for cooking. this was having a great impact on the forest resources of the villages. Likewise, the inefficient stoves presently being used were creating health problems for the consumers in the form of respiratory diseases as well as eye infections. Realising this through the participatory planning process, the communities of the two VDCs have set the installation of improved cook stoves as their first priority. LEDCO, on behalf of the communities, is facilitating the implementation of this technology.
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The feasibility study and detailed design of several microhydro schemes in the range of 5-20kW was carried out as part of the CBIEP study. The schemes, which were seen to be feasible, are now being promoted for development. The schemes will be developed with participation of the local beneficiaries, in areas where grid electrification will not be providing services in the near future.
In addition to conventional microhydro schemes, much research has been conducted on lowering the cost of rural electrification through demand side management. Two modifications have been selected for trial, which should save at least 30% of the capital and ongoing costs compared to conventional microhydro. The first innovation is the use of only highly efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) with a new pico-hydro capable of running a agro-processing machinery. The second study was on hybrid pico-hydro systems using battery banks to store off-peak energy, resulting in a very high plant factor. USAID and Energy Systems are assisting the implementation of the CFL picohydro project, which will include the promotion of this cost-effective system in other districts of Nepal.
LEDCO has also been involved in the promotion, manufacturing and installation of very low wattage white LED lamps in Jumla and Kavre. This work has been conducted in partnership with the Nepal Light Project from the University of Calgary, Canada.
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Locally owned grid-connected minihydro
LEDCO has completed the construction of the Syange Project. Electricity is generated not only to distribute to the local community but to sell to the grid as well. The local people own most of this project, with LEDCO owning a small portion of it. This is the first microhydro to be connected to the grid in the country, which has made the project more attractive.
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Introduction | Track 1 | Track 2
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Last modified:
8 May, 2005
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