2022/11/23 by Rupesh Baniya, Rocky Talchabhadel, Baniya, Rupesh +20
Social Sciences · #Applications (stat.AP) #FOS: Computer and information sciences #FOS: Electrical engineering #Systems and Control (eess.SY) #Transboundary Water Resource Management #electronic engineering #information engineering
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2211.13306
openalex publication_date 2022/11/23 · openalex created_date 2022/11/30 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
There is a pressing need for a transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy to meet the increasing energy demands and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Himalayas possess substantial renewable energy potential that can be harnessed through hydropower projects due to its peculiar topographic characteristics and abundant water resources. However, the current exploitation rate is low owing to the predominance of run-of-river hydropower systems to support the power system. The utility-scale storage facility is crucial in the load scenario of an integrated power system to manage diurnal variation, peak demand, and penetration of intermittent energy sources. In this study, we first identify the potential of pumped storage hydropower across Nepal (a central Himalayan country) under multiple configurations by pairing lakes, hydropower projects, rivers, and available flat terrains. We then identify technically feasible pairs from those of potential locations. Infrastructural, environmental, operational, and other technical constraints govern the choice of feasible locations. We find the flat land-to-river configuration most promising than other configurations. Our results provide insight into the potential of pumped storage hydropower and are of practical importance in planning sustainable power systems in the Himalayas and beyond.