Nepal lacks energy reliability and security. To date, we face power outages due to an unreliable supply of electricity. The seasonal plus daily fluctuation of demand surpasses the seasonal fluctuation (caused by overdependence on hydropower) of supply which leads to billions spent on energy imports. The lack of cost-effective energy storage solutions has also inclined people, businesses, and industries towards non-renewable backup alternatives such as diesel generators.
Gham Power aims to bring an innovative and renewable storage/ battery solution that will help balance out and stabilize our electrical supply.
Gham Power has been working on finding a reliable storage solution to replace diesel generators and exploring the wider application of batteries for around 3 years now. In partnership with a British energy storage company, Swanbarton, we have come up with a new battery model that could help address the fluctuating energy supply by having consumers independently produce and consume energy through batteries combined with solar, and allow them to sell surplus energy back to the grid or to other consumers.
Research Results
Our research results show that at present, the average time of power outages lasts less than 30 minutes. By installing a smaller size battery that supports and provides for these shorter power outages, consumers can not only benefit from decreased cost but can also reduce their electricity bill through energy arbitrage, demand charge minimization as well as other battery applications. Additionally, they will also be able to feed energy into the grid if proper policies are implemented.
The distribution of power cuts in different durations from July 2021 to Feb 2022. The majority of power cuts are less than 30 minutes long.
We’ve calculated that if 2% of the market (connected to the grid) were to implement this system it will result in peak-shaving of 50 MW per day during peak hours and an overall decrease in demand of 127 MWh of energy per day which will help reduce fluctuation in demand. Moreover, with only 2% adoption of this system, we can displace around 2303.28 tons of CO2 and approximately 859.43 KL of diesel, effectively replacing diesel generators and saving the government Rs. 128 million on fuel imports annually.
What next
In conclusion of our research, we are now looking to conduct commercial trials in order to gather practical proof and are currently conversing with various government organizations to discuss policy support for this system.
Interested partners and sponsors can contact us at: contact@ghampower.com
Contributed by Ujesha Vaidya