Light For Life: Solar Energy in Nepal

A multimedia documentary that offers a view into Nepal six months after the 7.8 magnitude (April 25th, 2015) and 7.3 magnitude (May 12th, 2015) earthquakes that devastated the region. In a country that has endured long-term political hardship and instability, a lack of electricity remains one of the biggest barriers to the country’s economic development and prosperity. Energy is at the forefront of most economic, environmental and developmental issues the world faces today. Reliable energy services that are clean, efficient, and affordable are fundamental to a modern quality of life and a country’s global prosperity.

Over 80% of Nepal’s population live in rural mountainous regions that lack access to electricity. The remaining population of Nepal is grid-connected, but face a 500 MW energy deficit, with 16+ hours of daily blackouts on average during load shedding hours. Many businesses run privately owned diesel generators for backup, but still suffer from increasing fuel costs, frequent shortages, and pollution from fumes and noise. Local businesses have been forced to shut down and are actively seeking out clean, reliable and alternative energy solutions. Solar energy has become a very feasible and viable answer to power Nepal and provide a path towards energy independence.

As the country continues to struggle with the effects of the natural disasters and political instability, renewable energy is providing both light and hope for a nation of people renowned for their resilience.

Directed and Produced by Kristin Lau
@ 2016 Kristin Lau Photography
www.kristinlau.com

SunFarmer
SunFarmer, a non-profit that installs solar energy in hospitals, health clinics, schools and agricultural sites throughout the developing world, has built six health posts in Nepal with Possible Health and their local healthcare partners. SunFarmer is working on reconstruction activities to power 21 health posts with solar in the Dolakaha district. The team has also implemented a water irrigation project in Sirubari that uses a solar MUS (Multiple Use System) of water through solar water pumping technology for drinking and micro-irrigation that will help to enhance agricultural needs all year round. www.sunfarmer.org

Renewable World
Renewable World describes a Solar MUS (Multi Use Water System) as an improved approach to water resource management, which uses solar powered water pumps to collect and store water that is distributed to taps for household use in small communities to meet both domestic and agricultural needs. The Solar MUS system provides the farmers in Syangja with a 15,000 Litre storage tank. The land in Sirubari is ideal for vegetable farming, but currently there is only enough water for drinking and livestock. Traditionally, the land was able to grow millet, corn, rice, and vegetables including tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage and radish. http://renewable-world.org

Special thanks to Photographers Without Borders, Possible Health and Renewable World.