The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) has provided support for maintenance of 48 micro hydro projects, which were completely or partially damaged by the devastating earthquakes of April and May 2015. Out of the total 262 projects that were damaged, the AEPC has provided Rs 60 million to 48 projects in last two years for their maintenance.

AEPC is providing grant to complete maintenance of the damaged projects in 11 districts — Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Kavre, Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhuli, Okhaldhunga and Makawanpur — which were highly affected by the natural calamity.

With assistance from the United Nations Development Programme and Department for International Development (DfID), the AEPC is providing support for maintenance of micro hydro projects. Likewise, fund from the government is also being utilised for maintenance of such projects.

“We are not directly involved in the maintenance process of the said projects. AEPC provides subsidy and the local community or consumer community of the project will handle the entire works,” Nawa Raj Dhakal, spokesperson for AEPC, said.

AEPC has distinguished damaged projects in two categories — partially-damaged and fully-damaged. For partially-damaged projects, it is sending grant through district coordination committee to projects and in the case of fully-damaged projects, AEPC directly sends the support amount to the project.

AEPC will continue its financial support to damaged projects until completion of maintenance process. According to the AEPC, micro hydro projects in Dolakha, Sindhupalchowk and Gorkha were highly affected by the earthquakes.

Similarly, AEPC has assisted the maintenance process of more than 5,000 biogas plants affected by the same natural disaster in Kavre and Gorkha districts. Likewise, it has started a study to assist the biogas plants in Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts.

AEPC is a government institution formed with an objective to develop and promote renewable and alternative energy technologies in the country.

[Oct 6,2017 / thehimalayantimes.com]