Empowering a Community through Technology, Innovation, and Clean Energy: A Vision Rooted in Faith

 The inauguration of the Shree Krishna Pranami Community Hospital is more than just the opening of a building; it is a testament to what faith and collective effort can achieve. Rooted in compassion and service, this hospital embodies the community’s commitment to uplifting society. Yet, this moment also presents an opportunity to envision how the spirit of service can extend beyond healthcare into other critical areas such as education, industry, and renewable energy.

As someone deeply invested in technological innovation and community development, I see this event as a call to action—a chance to expand our impact by empowering the youth through education and industry. The foundation of this vision lies in a movement I initiated eight years ago: Branding God in Technology (प्रबिधिमा श्री राज्जी). This concept intertwines spirituality with progress, aiming to inspire our community to become pioneers in innovation while staying rooted in our faith.

Branding God in Technology: A Vision for Faith-Driven Progress
Branding God in Technology is a vision to merge spiritual inspiration with technological advancement. It calls for leveraging our religious identity not only for charity but also for creating schools, industries, and innovation hubs. This initiative aims to reframe how the Shree Krishna Pranami Community can contribute to society—not merely through faith-based activities but as a driving force for societal transformation.

The Tartam Sagar, one of the most revered texts in Shree Krishna Pranami Philosophy, teaches us that true spirituality lies in selfless action (karma yoga) and using our talents and resources to serve humanity. Lord Krishna emphasizes in the Tartam Sagar that work done with dedication and without attachment to results elevates both the individual and society. Guided by this principle, the Shree Krishna Pranami Community can channel its faith into actionable projects that uplift communities, foster innovation, and drive progress.

In the United States, institutions like Brigham Young University (BYU), established by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, exemplify how faith-based organizations can blend spirituality with education. BYU produces world-class engineers, scientists, and business leaders while adhering to its religious principles. Nepal can take inspiration from this model by establishing schools and colleges branded under Lord Krishna’s name. These institutions could focus on teaching cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and robotics while instilling values of integrity, compassion, and sustainability as taught by Krishna himself.

Faith-driven organizations have historically played transformative roles in societal progress. A notable example from the United States is Habitat for Humanity, a volunteer-based organization that has built homes for millions worldwide. Rooted in Christian values, its impact transcends religion, emphasizing community collaboration. Similarly, the Shree Krishna Pranami Community can initiate volunteer-driven projects to construct renewable energy systems, small-scale industries, and technical training centers, ensuring both spiritual and material upliftment.

Education is a cornerstone of development, and faith-based initiatives often excel in producing leaders who shape societies. Jesuit schools in the United States, renowned for their focus on academic excellence and moral responsibility, have created global changemakers. Nepal can replicate this success by establishing technical institutes with a focus on renewable energy, environmental science, and innovation under Lord Krishna’s branding. Such initiatives can inspire the youth to pursue impactful careers, ultimately driving Nepal’s development while remaining grounded in the timeless teachings of the Tartam Sagar.

Energy Scenario in Nepal: Challenges and Opportunities

Nepal’s energy system relies heavily on hydropower, a resource with immense potential but also inherent challenges such as seasonal variability, infrastructure gaps, and dependency on imported fossil fuels. Remote areas still struggle with unreliable or nonexistent electricity, hindering socio-economic development.

Globally, renewable energy is transforming economies and communities. In the United States, states like California have become leaders in clean energy by transitioning aggressively from coal to solar, wind, and battery storage technologies. Nepal can learn from such efforts to diversify its energy portfolio, including solar, wind, and biomass, to complement hydropower and ensure energy security.

Decentralized energy systems such as microgrids offer a promising solution for rural electrification. For instance, community solar projects in Colorado empower residents to co-own and benefit from renewable energy systems. Nepal can adapt this approach by establishing community-owned microgrids powered by solar and wind energy. These systems can electrify remote villages, boost local economies, and improve living standards.

Nepal’s renewable energy journey can also benefit significantly from international collaboration. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has successfully funded energy access projects in many developing nations, facilitating knowledge transfer and financial support. Engaging with international organizations and diaspora networks can help Nepal bring the latest renewable energy technologies to its shores, accelerating its progress.

From Charity to Development: The Power of Volunteering

Faith-driven volunteering can transcend charity to become a catalyst for sustainable development. The Rockefeller Foundation in the United States has demonstrated how strategic investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure can create long-lasting societal impacts.

Nepal can harness the strength of the Shree Krishna Pranami Community to launch similar volunteering initiatives. Projects focused on education, technology, and clean energy can pave the way for meaningful change. For example, volunteers could help build technical schools, install renewable energy systems in underserved areas, and train youth in market-relevant skills. Such efforts would not only uplift the community but also position Nepal as a leader in sustainable development.

Clean Energy as a Tool for Community Empowerment

Renewable energy is no longer a choice but a necessity. In the United States, companies like Tesla have revolutionized the adoption of clean energy technologies, demonstrating the potential of solar panels and battery storage systems. These innovations have transformed communities, making renewable energy accessible and affordable. Nepal can draw inspiration from such advancements and adapt them to its unique needs.

The Shree Krishna Pranami Community is not only a faith-driven collective but also one that deeply values compassion, nonviolence, and harmony with all living beings. As a vegetarian community that reveres life in all its forms, it is only natural for it to extend this ethos to environmental stewardship. Developing renewable energy projects aligns seamlessly with this philosophy, as these initiatives minimize harm to nature by avoiding the production of harmful gases. By championing clean energy solutions, the community can demonstrate how love for all living creatures can translate into meaningful action that empowers society, protects the planet, and honors its spiritual principles.

Investing in renewable energy yields significant environmental and economic benefits. In the U.S. Midwest, wind energy projects have revitalized rural communities by creating jobs and reducing energy costs. Similarly, Nepal can use community-owned renewable energy projects to address rural unemployment and poverty, creating a ripple effect of prosperity.

Faith-based organizations also play a critical role in promoting environmental stewardship. Interfaith Power & Light in the United States mobilizes religious groups to adopt clean energy and sustainable practices. In Nepal, framing renewable energy as an act of faith can inspire widespread adoption, fostering both environmental conservation and community unity.

Lessons from My Journey: Bridging the Gap Between Nepal and the U.S.

Reflecting on my career, I see numerous opportunities to bridge the gap between Nepal and the United States in the energy and technology sectors. My early experiences in Nepal’s utility sector revealed the challenges of inadequate infrastructure and the urgent need for innovation. Pursuing my doctoral studies at a leading U.S. university transformed my perspective, exposing me to cutting-edge research and global best practices.

Working as a Senior Scientist in the United States has further reinforced my belief in the transformative power of clean energy technologies. Companies like First Solar, which has successfully scaled renewable energy solutions, provide valuable lessons for Nepal. By adapting these global insights to local contexts, Nepal can unlock its potential and accelerate its development.

Call to Action: A Vision for the Future

The Shree Krishna Pranami Community has a unique opportunity to redefine its role in society by mobilizing collective action. Establishing educational institutions, industries, and renewable energy projects can transform not only the community but also the nation.

Creating renewable energy hubs modeled after Silicon Valley’s clean energy centers can position Nepal as a regional leader in innovation. Providing scholarships, exchange programs, and technical training will prepare Nepal’s youth for leadership roles in the global clean energy sector.

Integrating spirituality, sustainability, and innovation can build a transformative legacy for the Shree Krishna Pranami Community. By aligning faith with progress, we can inspire generations to contribute meaningfully to Nepal’s development.

Conclusion: A Community United by Vision and Action

This article calls upon the Shree Krishna Pranami Community to take bold steps toward redefining its role in society. By integrating faith with technology, education, and clean energy, we can not only honor our spiritual heritage but also create a future where Nepal stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. The path ahead is challenging, but with collective vision and action, it is filled with promise. Let us unite in this endeavor to build a brighter future for all.

Author: Dr. Rabin Dhakal, Senior Research Engineer (Scientist) at Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) a Global Non-Profit Research Organization headquartered in the USA 

Note: This article is pending for publication in an Inagural Magazine of Shree Krishna Pranami Hospital at Itahari, Nepal.

Championing energy research across the globe: Rabin Dhakal

 

Published interview on the fifth issue of Evidence Yatra monthly newsletter of Nepal Institute of Research and Communications : https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1438900746441850&set=pcb.1438902756441649

Rabin Dhakal is a PhD Candidate of Mechanical Engineering Department at Texas Tech University and currently working as a research assistant at Radiation and Cancer Research Lab at Texas Tech University. Dhakal has been researching on medical imaging, space radiation and dosimetry. His research interests are Renewable Energy, Radiation, Dosimetry and Computational Analysis. NIRC talked to him on his journey so far.

What has motivated you to conducting research in the energy sector?

I started my career as a lecturer and part-time energy consultant in Nepal, where research and publications is not that motivating factor in the growth of the profession. But my passion for working on innovation which was built-up while working on robotics club and final year research project during my undergraduate studies, made me find research opportunities. The most important driving factor that pushed me to do research/publication was to find a way to provide sustainable green electricity to various off-grid community in Nepal. I started considering research as a potential future career after my research got recognition in the national and international arena. Further, I was able to do pilot projects in Nepal, and this eventually got me invitations from the international community to advise their pilot projects.

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What are the specific areas you are interested in writing/publishing?

Currently, my primary research deals with estimating energy deposit from proton beam and heavy ions beams (x-ray, gamma-ray, etc.) in the human body due to radiation exposure from a different source such as nuclear accidents, traveling in space, and during any medical treatment (e.g., mammography and x-ray test). Moreover, my current research investigates the biological impact of ionizing radiation on aging. My research in Nepal deals with modeling, design, testing, feasibility study, and policymaking to develop renewable energy projects in Nepal and other developing countries. Besides these two-research areas, I am involved in developing different programs/codes to analyze different kinds of data produced in various types of experiments in computational chemistry, biology, and cancer research laboratory. In summary, my research interests are Renewable Energy, Radiation, Dosimetry and Computational Analysis.

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You have been writing and publishing journal articles in the energy sector consistently. What have been your major lessons and achievements?

The writings and publications which I have made not only give me recognition among the scientific community around the globe but also gave me some dedicated followers and eventually some of them became my clients. This national and international recognition not only made me a responsible researcher but also a better human being. I have devoted most of my free time of this decade to writing and publication, which obviously requires lots of dedication, time, and energy. The most important lesson that I learn from the writing and publications is to learn from the past mistakes. Similarly, I believe if one publishes something which comes from extensive research works rather than research just for the sake of publication, it would contribute to some form of social transformation (maybe social and technological).

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Any recommendations or tips for students/early career researchers interested to write and publish articles in the energy sector?

I believe if you want excellent publication, you need to have a good research culture that motivates all the individuals involved. We will be able to lead the globe in energy research and development if we focus on the research based on technologies within Nepal. Currently, we are at a primitive phase regarding the energy sector within Nepal, and there is a lot to explore. The crucial part is to look around constantly and immerse yourself to figure it out. Follow Rabin on his website: https://rbndhakal.blogspot.com/ 

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Encourage innovation: A relatively new technology has the potential to end the country’s energy crisis

Government of Nepal declared an energy emergency last February – the third one in the last eight years – and targeted to end the energy crisis in two years. With the recent change of government, the fate of the plan is in limbo. Hydropower, the major source of Nepal’s electricity generation, can’t end Nepal’s energy crisis in such a short time by virtue of its capital intensive and time consuming nature. Alternative technologies like solar, micro-hydro, biogas, and wind have been explored, and for several reasons they have not been enough. More appropriate energy generation technologies have to be explored to widen energy access to different parts of Nepal.

A relatively new technology invented in Austria in 2007 and improvised by researchers of Nepal, shows promise of delivering small amount of electric power, from few kilowatts up to 25 kilowatts, generated using the vortex of flowing water. The technology is named Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant (GWVPP). When water passes through a strategically designed basin, vortex of water is formed causing the turbine located at the center of the basin to rotate. The energy of the turbine can either be used mechanically or be used to generate electricity. Compared to most hydropower plants of Nepal that need hundreds of meters of head (difference of height between the points from where water is first released from river or dam to the location of turbine), and micro-hydro power plants that need tens of meters of head, GWVPP can operate in less than a meter of head.

With relatively lower installation costs and low head requirement, these plants can be installed in many places in Nepal, including Terai, thus providing a novel alternative for electricity generation for places without access to national electricity grid. Small power plants like these can be beneficial for small and medium enterprises in using local and renewable energy resources, thus greatly reducing operating costs and carbon footprint.

Nepali researchers started research works in GWVPPs in Nepal since 2012. After continuous efforts of several researchers of Nepal, two major innovations were accomplished. Instead of original design with cylindrical basins, conical basins were found to be more efficient in forming water vortices. Similarly, if the turbine is positioned at 60 to 70 % of height from bottom, efficiency would be optimum. These innovations were a result of rigorous mathematical modeling, laboratory tests, and design efforts. The researchers overcame problems typically faced by researchers in developing countries including lack of adequate funding, lack of technical expertise, difficulty in manufacturing, and little support from government and non-governmental bodies.  The results obtained have been peer reviewed and accepted by the scientific community in international conferences and academic journals, including Elsevier’s Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.   

Only few research efforts make it from academia to industry and society, which is even less so in Nepal. Besides academic and professional recognition, scientists and researchers covet the potential impact and implementation of their ideas and findings for society the most. The improved design of Nepali researchers, currently patent pending, is finding few takers in Nepal. Currently, a GWVPP of 1.6 kW capacity is being installed in Bagmati River at Gokarna, Kathmandu. The plant will supply electricity to a nearby orphanage and Martyr’s Park.

Technical and commercial feasibility of installation of these plants have been studied for several locations. The goal of the innovators is to install a minimum of 50 such plants ranging from 5 kW to 20 kW capacity in the next 5 years. The initiative led by Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus has garnered support from Kathmandu University and University of Bristol. More research into financial, economic, social and policy dimensions and implications of the technology are in pipeline.

Low head small scale hydro-electricity generation is feasible in many places of Nepal, including Terai and has the potential to help abate the energy poverty Nepal is facing. Innovations made in Nepal’s universities should find its way to society and international scientific community. Research and innovation initiatives like this should be supported by government, people, media, and all to encourage Nepali innovators to develop appropriate solutions to Nepal’s pressing problems.

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-08-02/encourage-innovation.html 

Rabin Dhakal and Kshitiz Khanal

Rabin Dhakal is a lecturer at Kantipur Engineering College and Kshitiz Khanal is a researcher at Kathmandu University. 

My Experience of Research to Practice of Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant in Nepal

It is often claimed that scientist and researchers are the citizens of the world; they have no boundaries. But as a researcher of third world countries like Nepal the real challenge is when making the research works recognizable to the world. Almost all of us researchers have dream to discover new ideas which induce high impact to society and also want the ideas be implemented in real world. To represent one’s nation in the international arena, to hold its flag high amidst other nations, is a matter of great pride. And the Research and Practice on Gravitational water vortex power plant was the perfect opportunity for me and my fellow researchers at Institute of Engineering, Central Campus Pulchowk.

After rigorous research of 3 years, we the researchers of Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus have been successful in optimizing a design of new and innovative technology addressing the current energy crisis in Nepal. The Gravitational Water Vortex power plant (GWVPP) is a new type of technology in which the energy of flowing water is extracted by a turbine placed at the center of a vortex that develops in a rotation tank (basin). Since such vortex can be formed at heads as low as 0.7 m, the gravitational water vortex power plant do not need a large head like other hydroelectric power plant. The construction cost is relatively small. This makes them suitable on river across the Nepal, at thousands of locations. GWVPP designed to be installed in remote areas of terai region that would never see grid expansion and is designed to electrify a small community of up to 200 homes per pant under Nepali consumptions patterns. As most of cottage industries are located in such sector they can be benefited. This has the possibility of removing the need for mega hydropower stations. The installation of gravitational water vortex power plant can act as an exemplary project that can have huge environmental benefit with no negative environmental impact. Thus, for developing country like Nepal, this technology of power production can be a boon to eradicate energy crisis.

Low head turbine can be the most suitable option for rural electrification. GWVPP is a new and emerging technique in context of low head hydro power. The research on the gravitational water vortex power plant originates from Austria in the year 2007.After introduction of GWVPP in Nepal as a master degree research project of a student in the year 2012, it become eye-catching and interesting topic for the researchers around Nepal. Two other batches of 2013 and 2014 of mechanical engineering continued the research of GWVPP with the goal to optimize the efficiency of power plant. Conventionally the Austrain are using cylindrical basin structure to form a water vortex which is main source of power in GWVPP. So our main interest to design the parameters of the vessel to increase the strength of water vortex. With the rigorous research on the design parameters for about 3 years we have developed a new mathematical model for the design of the basin structure and got a conclusion that the conical basin structure is efficient than cylindrical basin structure to create water vortex. After finding a suitable basin structure to form water vortex, we move forward to optimize the design of the turbine of power plant. With many experimental testing and mathematical analysis we got a conclusion that the position of turbine inside basin effect the efficiency to large extent and its position about 60%-70% height of basin from bottom position is optimum for maximum power extraction. These two findings are breakthrough in research and development of GWVPP. We have published research articles in many National and international conference including world hydro conference at USA and Renewable Energy Conference at Korea, with many awards like innovative awards, best practice awards, special awards and best one is the publication in the world’s top journal in Renewable Energy Field i.e. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.

As we all know, there are large impedances to explore your capabilities here in Nepal and the challenge amplifies as it is a very small technological field. Everyone has dream to serve their country but very few people are not obliged to leave for abroad. My fellow colleagues who are involved in research project have engagements which does not allow them to stay in Nepal but I am striving here to commercialize the research findings. But some generous people form inside and outside country helped me concerning commercialization of this project which was noteworthy and made it conducive enough to test the patent pending design successfully in Bagmati River at Gokarna, Kathmandu this week which is of 1.6kW capacity. We are planning to supply the electricity to an orphanage house and Martry’s Park near the site of installation.We have also taken the initiative to commercialize this project in various regions of Nepal by doing feasibility study at many locations with goal to lessen the imbalance between energy supply and energy demand prevailing in the country by the effective utilization of this technology and bringing about economic benefit for all. We have taken a goal that by the fifth year of the project, minimum of 50 GWVPP of capacity ranging from 5kw to 20 kW will be installed with continuation of the research in collaboration with Institute of Engineering (TU), Turbine Testing Lab of Kathmandu University School of Engineering, and University of Bristol, United Kingdom.

In a conclusion, our vision of empowering the society by exploiting our own immense water and natural resource through promising technology is appreciated by all. The experiences we collected during the research and development of gravitational water vortex power plant made us realize one important fact that we can lead in research and development in globe if only we focus on the research based on technology that we have within Nepal.

From First Steps to First Award: My Journey at an International Conference on Renewable Energy Technology, Mokpo National University, Mokpo South Korea.

Through the rigorous research, we the research and team of Institute of Engineering, Pulhcowk Campus has been successful in creating a new and innovative technology addressing the current energy crisis in Nepal. Our Team including 9 students and 3 professors has developed a new micro hydro power plant that is efficiently applicable in low head region like the Terai Region. The success can be a revolution in electrifying various rural communities of the country. 

The Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant is based on the principle of converting the potential energy of water with a powerful Gravitational Water Vortex (GWV) in a rotation tank to kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is focused as rotation energy to the turbine in the center of the GWVPP. The turbine converts the rotation energy of the GWV together with a generator to green electricity.

While participating in the CORE 2015 representing research, development and promotion team of 7 of Nepal among various other participants around the globe indeed was a great honor for me. The international exposure during the competition 2015 International Conference on Renewable Energy Technology CORE-2015 held at Mokpo National University, Mokpo, South Korea was a plus point for all the Nepalese researchers as the platform gave us the international recognition. Out of total of 72 projects from various nations our project entitled “Design Optimization of basin and testing of runner for Gravitational Water Vortex power plant” received an outstanding response from the jury members and was also given the special award. 

The achievement during the Capstone renewable energy design contest helped to pay off all the hard work that we had done during our undergraduate research. The vision of Nepalese people to empower the society by exploiting their own immense water and other natural resources through promising technology was appreciated by all. The experiences that I collected during the contest made me realize one important fact that we will be able to lead the globe in research and development if only we focus on the research based on technology that we have within Nepal.

Technical + Spiritual Deusi Bhailo Program of Shree Krishna Pranami Technical Youth Council Nepal(प्रबिधिमा श्री राज्जी)

प्राबिधिक क्षेत्रका प्रणामी र सेवा नै परम धर्मं मा बिश्वास गर्ने अन्य समुदायका युवाहरु मिलेर महामति श्रीप्रणनाथजीको “सेवानै परम धर्म” भन्ने महान् सन्देशलाई सिरोधार्य गर्दै सेवा प्राबिधिक रुपबाट विभिन्न उद्योगहरुको स्थापना, रोजगारीको सृजना र विभिन्न उपयोगी समानहरुको उत्पादनबाट पनि सम्भव छ भन्ने सोच सहित प्रविधिमा श्रीरज्जीको स्थापना भएको हो | “प्रविधिमा श्रीरज्जी” ले धर्म र प्रबिधिको बिचमा रहेको अन्तरमा पुल बनेर काम गर्ने पनि सोच राखेको छ | यसै सोचका साथ हामीले आफ्नो पहिलो प्रोजेक्टको रुपमा एउटा प्रणामी धर्मको Android Apps बनाउने लगायत अन्य विभिन्न प्रोजेक्टको अनुसन्धानको काम सुरु गरिसकेका छौ | देउसी-भैलोबाट उठेको रकमले अन्य विभिन्न प्रोजेक्ट गर्ने सोच हामीले राखेका छौ|

Project 1: Idea to Industry
Project 2: श्री राज्जी brand Products
Project 3: Education through श्री राज्जी Apps
Project 4 : Research मा श्री राज्जी

अन्तमा, हामी अन्य विभिन्न समयमा पनि यहाहरुको सहयोगको अपेक्षा राख्ने छौ | तपाइको सहयोग, सल्लाह र सुझावको उच्च मुल्यांकन गरिनेछ |

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!प्रणाम !!!!!!!!!!!

Signing Off with Gratitude: Reflections on My First Journey as a National Conference Organizer

This is the closing speech of Mine in the conference: 

"Respected Chief Guest and Guests; Experts researching and practicing on energy policies, technology, economics and management; Fellow organizers, supporters and sponsors from academia, industry, government and community; And dear participants: Very warm good afternoon!!

I, Rabin Dhakal, Acting CEO and Asst. Director of Mechanical and Aeronautical Wing of GHEaSES International Pvt. Ltd., is speaking on behalf of our Managing Director, Dr. Shanker Dhakal who is the original brain behind today's giant CEESDev conference. He unfortunately couldn’t attend this esteemed "Satsang" of Energy and Economics having to come all the way from Melbourne. However, I have seen, Dr. Dhakal has done more than any of us in putting together this conference, by mobilizing  the entire Nepalese cohort of his rich network interested in energy-assisted "Intelligent Development Transformation" of Nepal! He brilliantly mobilized his fellow colleagues of GHEaSES International Pvt. Ltd. and TNUN in Nepal NRNA ICC and NCC -Australia's SKI project, in achieving excellent event management , engagement and impact of today.

I sincerely acknowledge the leadership skills of our Principal Convener, Dr. Vishnu Prasad Pandey, from AITM in Nepal throughout the preparation, including when he was travelling to and from Japan last week. The way Dr. Pandey coordinated with Dr. Dhakal and all stakeholders involved through online and physical meetings was exemplary. I am truly impressed. These two heads of the conference demonstrated that successful leaders don't only manage people and things but they also work very hard and intelligently by themselves.

Thumbs up to all brilliant paper and poster presenters and panelists of today who have totally won our heart. We have now no doubt, they are the true specialist of their field. The mind blowing invited talk of Dr. Rabindra Nepal from the University of Queensland, GHEaSES and NRNA-Australia SKI is still surrounding my head :-)

I sincerely reveal the input from dear fellow organizers:

- AITM's management, liaised by Dr. Pandey, for providing this beautiful venue and multimedia

- Mr Guna Raj Dhakal from WECAN and Mr. Mohan Raj Joshi from Nabil Bank by massively working in identifying and communicating with potential supporters, sponsors and panelists.

- Mr. Madhu Sudan Gautam from IFS by providing so many of his students as volunteers.

- Mr. Prachanda Pradhan from KU by contributing in some of paper reviews despite his pressures of PhD defense.

- Mr. Sunil KC by bringing diplomatic delegate and increasing the weight of the conference

- Dr. Binod Shrestha and Mr. Mahendra Oli from NRNA-Australia SKI by providing moral and financial support to the conference all the way from Oceania and endorsing Dr. Dhakal and Dr. Nepal as their representatives. This has added "international" flavor and impact to our "national" conference. The news has therefore been circulated widely across ICC network of NRNA, which we can capitalize upon in our future activities and projects in Nepal.

We express our special vote of thanks to AEPC, SEMAN, NMHDA, Argakhachi Cement, Nabil Bank and their current leaders for providing necessary fund and support for physically materializing today's success. Similarly, how can we keep silent without thanking our media partners, namely, Urja News and Himalaya TV, and other independent journalists and camerapersons.

A big hug to my fellow friends of GHEaSES International Pvt. Ltd. ,TNUN,  Coordination Committee SOMES Nepal and God in Technology, both inside Nepal and abroad, namely, Er. Kshitiz Khanal (conference secretariat), Er. Sadam Bala (event coordinator), Mr. Santosh Pandey, Mr. Sagun Lage, Dr. Dhruba Panthi, Er. Ganesh Sinkemana, Mr. Sujan Ghimire, Er. Prashidha Kharel , Ravi Prakash, Kiran Pandey and Arun Pandey and  all lovely Volunteers! At the expense of their precious time, they have invested their personal and political capital in to this historic conference, having been driven by true passion! I admire them.

Most significantly, the outcome of this conference, both the full papers as well as highly valuable opinions given by the experts involved in two different panel discussion sessions will be compiled, thoroughly reviewed, edited, published and disseminated widely to public and government. Let us give a warm applaud to this success. This is the success of each and every of us present today. On top of CEESDev 2014, we will develop more collaborative projects and activities in the days ahead and work together at a new height of understanding. Hope we keep in touch.

Finally, debates and discussions are inevitable when we work in group. Therefore, I appeal all of us to forgive each other if there has been any minor misunderstanding or dissatisfaction incurred when all of us were working very hard with full heart and sleepless nights lately! Most important thing is CESSDev 2014 has been successful!

Hurray, we did it!! 

We have created a history!

I hope you all enjoyed as much as I did myself, if not more :-)

In passing, I wish you all good health, and a very happy and successful family and professional life ahead in the auspicious occasion of Laxmi Puja and Tihar! May God bless  us in our progressive endeavors like CESSDev.

Thank you very much and Pranam!! "

Press release of National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development

22^nd October, 2014

With an objective of making energy sector a medium for nation’s sustainable development through mutual collaboration and movement, a one-day National Conference on Energy Economics and Sustainable Development has been successfully completed.

The conference was organized by GHEaSES International, Asian Institute of Technology and Management, WECAN, IEFS, NRN Australia and Kathmandu University along with the co-operation of Alternative Energy Program Centre, SEMAN and NMHDA, where, people related to energy sector and experts were involved. The conference was mainly focussed on Nepal’s economy, contributions from energy sector, its possibility, status of hydropower and renewable energy, new technologies and its applicability.

During the inauguration of the seminar, Dr. Govinda Nepal, a member of National Planning Commission, presented a key note highlighting the emphasis that Nepal should give to social, economic and political sector during the energy development. He also addressed the fact that active participation from every sector is equally important to attract foreign investments. Dr. Rabindra Nepal from Queensland University and also affiliated to GHEaSES International  emphasized the use of modern technologies. During the technical sessions of the conference, Professor Amrit Man Nakarmi talked about current energy consumption trends and future energy/ GHG scenarios of Nepal; Madhusudhan Adhikari of AEPC presented points about energy market and economics of Nepal; Shishir Shakya of IFS presented about co-integration and casuality between electricity consumption and GDP; emperical evidence from Nepal; Professor Jagan Nath Shrestha talked about the impact of decentralized PV grid-connected plans on load shedding in Nepal; Miss Anantaa Pandey of AITM talked about the effectiveness of subsidy policy in addressing barriers to renewable energy technology deployment in Nepal; Kshitiz Khanal and Sadam affiliated to GHEaSES International  presented about the collaborative and open access research for energy sector in Nepal. The Chairperson of the technical session was Prof. Dr. Tri Ratna Bajracharya.

The panel discussion titled Power Trade Agreement (PTA) and Project Development Agreement (PDA) was moderated by Dr. Sandeep Shah and the panellists were Prof. Dr. Hari Pandit (IOE/TU), Surya Nath Upadhaya (JVS), Shital Babu Regmee (former Secretary/GoN), Gyanendra Lal Pradha (FNCCI) and Khadga Bista (IPPAN). Majority of them were positive about PTA although they emphasized in its implementation aspects. Regarding PDA, they stressed that changes should be made in some of its criteria.

The second panel discussion titled Implementation of energy-mix in Nepal; opportunities and challenges was moderated by Mr. Ram Prasad Dhital and the panellists were Prof. Jagan Nath Shrestha, Prof. Amrit Man Nakarmi, Sher Singh Bhat (NEA), Nr. Narayan Chaulagain and Nabin Bhujel. During the discussion, they presented the fact that solar energy, gasifier and wind energy should be taken along with the hydropower as energy mix for solving the energy problem of Nepal. Decreasing the import of petroleum by encouraging alternative energy options leading to positive impacts on nation’s economy also came along in the discussion. Likewise, the sustainability of energy mix was also emphasized.

At last, Er. Rabin Dhakal, an Organizer of CEESDvs, gives closing remarks on behalf of Dr. Shanker Dhakal , he  addressed that through this conference, intellectual development transformation of Nepal is supposed to begin and GHEaSES, TNUN, SOMES Nepal and GOD in Technology and all other collaborators are representative of it. 

Press Release  In Nepali :

GHESES International, WECAN, IFSएशियन इष्टिच्यूट अफ टेक्नोलोजी एण्ड म्यानेजमेन्ट(AITM), GHESES International, WECAN, IFS, एनआरएन अष्ट्रेलिया, काठमाण्डौ युनिभर्सिटी लगायतको आयोजना सुरु भएको एक दिने उर्जा अर्थतन्त्र र दिगो विकास राष्ट्रिय सम्मेलनमा उनीहरुले पीटीए सकारात्मक भएपनि आयोजना विकास सम्झौताबारे भने केही विज्ञहरुले सच्चाउनुपर्ने माग गरे । सम्मेलनको उद्घाटन कार्यक्रममा राष्ट्रिय योजना आयोगका सदस्य डा. गोविन्द नेपालले पीटीएले नेपालको जलविद्युत विकासमा विदेशी लगानीकर्ता आकर्षण गर्ने बताए । पुर्व जलस्रोत सचिव सुर्यनाथ उपाध्यायले पीटीए सकारात्मक भएको बताउँदै यसले विद्युत आदानप्रदान, व्यापार, बजार र लगानीको सुनिश्चितता गरेको बताए । ‘पीटीए कार्यावन्यनका लागि संयन्त्र बनाउने कुरा उल्लेख छ, यो सकारात्मक हो तर यसको कार्यावन्यन पक्ष महत्वपूर्ण हुन्छ ।’
पुर्व उर्जा सचिव शीतलबाबु रेग्मीले पहिला पानीको उपयोगको समेत प्रावधान राखेर पीटीए गर्न लागेपनि पछि त्यसलाई हटाएर गरिएको सम्झौता सकारात्मक भएको बताए । नेपाल उद्योग वाणिज्य महासंघ उर्जा समितिका सभापति ज्ञानेन्द्रलाल प्रधानले पीटीए हुनु देशको हितमा भएकोले यसको सबैले समर्थन गर्नुपर्ने बताए । भारतमा नेतृत्व परिवर्तन हुँदाको परिणाम नेपालको सबै सर्तहरु स्वीकारेर गरेको पीटीए भारतका लागि भन्दा पनि नेपालका लागि आवश्यक रहेको उनको भनाई थियो । ‘पीटीए नेपालका लागि उत्कृष्ट सम्झौता हो, यसबारे अनावश्क आशंका गर्नु आवश्यक छैन ।’–उनले भने । प्राधिकरणका उपकार्यकारी निर्देशक शेरसिंह भाटले पीटीए गर्दा नेपाल र भारतका केही कानुनमा परिवर्तन गर्नुपर्ने भएकोले एउटा प्रावधानमा सबै अवरोधहरु अन्तय गर्ने उल्लेख गरेकोले यसैलाई आधार मानेर अवरोधहरु छन् भन्नु नहुने बताए । स्वतन्त्र उर्जा उत्पादकहरुको संस्था (इप्पान) का अध्यक्ष खड्गबहादुर विष्टले विजुलीको क्षेत्रीय व्यापार समेत उल्लेख गरेर गरिएको सम्झौता उपयुक्र्त भएको बताए । ‘पीटीएपछि स्वदेशी जलविद्युतका प्रवद्र्धकहरु समेत खुशी छौ, नेपाल विद्युत प्राधिकरणले विद्युत खरिद सम्झौता (पीपीए) नगरिरहेको बेला यसले बजार सुनिश्चित गरेको छ ।’–उनले भने । पीडीएबारे भने उपाध्याय, रेग्मी र प्राध्यापक हरि पण्डितले अस्पष्ट भएको उल्लेख गर्दै यसका सर्तहरु सच्चाउनुपर्ने बताएका थिए । प्रधान र विष्टले भने पीडीएले लगानीकर्तालाई उत्साहित हुने बताएका थिए । उपाध्यायले जीएमआरले ९ सय मेगावाटको माथिल्लो कर्णाली सार्वजनिक नीजि साझेदारी (पीपीपी) मोडेलमा निर्माण हुन लाग्नुले अनुमतिपत्र प्रणालीबारे आशंका पैदान भएको बताए । पीडीए गर्दा बढी सहुलियत दिएकोमा उनको विरोध थियो । त्यसैगरी रेग्मीले १ सय ५८ पेजको ठूलो पीडीए हस्तावेजलाई देशले धान्न सक्छकि सक्दैन भन्ने प्रश्न उठेको बताए । पण्डितले ४२ सय मेगावाट विद्युत उत्पादन हुनेमा नौ सय मेगावाट बनाइनुले समस्या निम्ताएको बताए । प्रधानले चीनमा पनि जलविद्युत लगानीकर्ताहरुलाई सहुलियत दिने गरेको बताउँदै बन्न लागेका आयोजनाहरुमा अनावश्यक विरोध गर्नु गलत भएको बताए । विष्टले प्रतिष्पर्धाको आधारमा दिइएको आयोजनामा पीडीए गर्न छिट्टै गर्नुपर्ने उल्लेख गर्दै विवाद भन्दा यसबारे सरकार उदार हुनुपर्ने बताए ।दोस्रो प्यानल छलफलमा Implementation of energy-mix in Nepal: opportunities and challenges लगायतबारे प्राध्यापक जगनाथ श्रेष्ठ, प्रा. अमृतिमान नकर्मी, नेपाल विद्युत प्राधिकरणका उपकार्यकारी निर्देशक शेरसिंह भाट, जीआईजेट/निप कार्यक्रममा डा. नारायण चौलागाई, सेमनका सल्लाहकार नवीन भुजेल सहभागी थिए । वैकल्पिक उर्जा प्रर्वधन केन्द्रका मधुसुदन अधिकारीले सहजीकरण गरेको सो छलफलमा उनीहरुले नेपालको उर्जा समस्या समाधान गर्न जलस्रोतसँगसँगै सौर्य उर्जा, ग्यासिफायर, वायु उर्जाको सहायता लिएर इनर्जी मिक्समा जानु अनिवार्य भइसकेको भएतापनि तत्काल यसको कार्यान्वयनमा विभिन्न नीतिगत समस्या भएको कुरा औँल्याउनु भयो । वैकल्पिक उर्जाको प्रवर्धन गरेर पेट्रोलियको आयात घटाउन सकिने र यसले देशको अर्थतन्त्रमा सकारात्मक प्रभाव पार्न सक्ने कुरा छलफलमा आएको थियो । साथसाथै इनर्जी मिक्सको दिगोपनतामा जोड दिएका थिए ।Reference: - See more at: http://www.urjanews.com/details/1475/ku.edu.np#sthash.hYAFxkUh.dpuf

Cheers 
Rabin