Abstract

Situated at an altitude of about 3,000 meters above sea level, Trans Himalayan district of Mustang categorized as water deficit arid desert has growing demand for electricity just like in rest of Nepal. As access to grid has become a major development agenda, National grid is penetrating remote districts like Mustang. In the face of grid expansion, the Micro Hydro systems installed 20-30 years to lighten the villages could be at risk of being nonfunctional if proper energy planning is not done. The study was conducted in the villages in phase of grid connection and having micro hydro commissioned 20-30 years ago. This study assesses the community perception on extending grid and their perception on preexisting micro hydro. The paper illustrates the role of MHP in the changing context of emerging renewable energy technologies and expansion of grid penetration across the Himalayas. Underscoring the relevance of local resource utilization and energy source diversification paper highlight the needs for proper planning of energy mix for promoting sustainable energy supply.

Keywords: Mustang; Energy mix; Diversification; Adaptation