In a bid to ensure sustainable and clean energy, the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) is gearing up to set up wind turbines that will generate two megawatts of energy in Kailali district.

As per AEPC, which is a unit under Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI), studies are being conducted to determine the possibility of carrying out the project and a detailed feasibility study will be carried out soon.

“We plan to complete the detailed feasibility and detailed project report along with starting the project construction in fiscal year 2019-20,” said Madhusudhan Adhikari, executive director of AEPC.

The centre has allocated a budget of Rs 100 million for the project for the upcoming fiscal.

As per Adhikari, Asian Development Bank (ADB) has already conducted a feasibility study and said the project is possible.

“ADB, in its report, has said the capacity of the project (2MW) can be expanded, and we will soon fix the exact capacity of the project,” Adhikari said, adding they plan to instal wind turbines with 500 kilowatt capacity in each pole. However, if the MoEWRI approves AEPC’s proposal, wind turbines of one megawatt capacity will be installed in each pole.

As per the initial study, the cost of generating one megawatt from wind turbine will hover around Rs 130 million, which is cheaper compared to hydropower energy. At present, hydropower generation cost stands at Rs 200 million to Rs 250 million per megawatt on average.

Puskar Manandhar, energy officer at ADB, said the bank will assist AEPC to take the project forward. “We have already completed the basic wind measurement in the project site on behalf of the government,” he said, adding that access to clean, reliable and affordable energy will help create opportunities to boost local income, which will also open the door for commercial activities.

AEPC and the local government of Kailali district have already reached an agreement to instal the wind turbines at the project site.

Mahadev Bajgain, mayor of Lamki Chuha municipality, Kailali, said they will assist in the land acquisition and other necessary processes for the project.

“Around the project site, we plan to build a park and introduce tourist-friendly activities like fishing to attract visitors.”