54
Inventory of Innovative Indoor Smoke
Alleviating Technologies in Nepal
Chapter Eight
CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1 Conclusion
Nepal, challenged by the growing population, is heavily
dependent on traditional biomass fuels which
contributed to about 88 per cent of total energy
consumption. Nepal was one of the lowest per capita
energy consumption (about 15 GJ) countries in 2005 and
large fraction of the energy consumed was used for
cooking (65 per cent) followed by space heating and
other activities.
Burning of solid biomass fuel in traditional inefficient
stove emits hundreds of pollutants which are very
harmful for human health. Smoke in homes is the major
contributing factors of many diseases for large segment
of population as well as the cause of GHG emission.
The negative effects on human health and on local and
global environment necessitate substantial mitigation
efforts by national/local governments as well as I/NGOs
and private sectors.
Mud-brick ICS, metal stoves, briquette burning
technology, and chimney and smokehood are improved
technologies that are disseminated for those HHs who
use firewood and agricultural residues as a source of
energy for cooking and heating including space heating.
These technologies are effective in IAP reduction along
with fuel and time saving. Mud-brick ICS especially two
potholes are suitable in mid hills, and metal stoves are
suitable in high hills and mountains. Single pothole mud-
brick ICS and two potholes mud-brick ICS are also
accepted in Terai, however, more research is required
for model adaptation because of the house structure in
Terai. In Nepal, mid hill and high hill ranges from 1300
to 2500 and 2500 to 5000 m amsl respectively. Metal
stoves are more suitable above 2000m altitude due to
its heating requirements. Metal stoves are more efficient
than mud-brick stoves because it requires fairly small
size fuel, as these fuels are comparatively dry and aid
in proper combustion. There is a high level of
satisfaction among the users of mud-brick ICS and metal
stoves as these stoves are efficient in fuel consumption
which ultimately reduces the fuel collection time along
with IAP. Similarly, bayupankhi stoves, smokehoods and
improved ventilation can be other suitable options. They
can reduce substantial amount of IAP from the kitchen.
Briquette technology is one of the eco-friendly
technologies substituting firewood and significantly
reducing smoke compared to fuel wood burning
traditional stoves. Unfortunately, it could not be
industrialised despite being developed and promoted
in 1980s. Only one commercial industry and very few
research institutes, NGOs and private sectors are
involved in development of this technology.
Other renewable technologies, such as biogas, solar
and electric cookers are the cleanest forms of cooking
energy.
Study findings suggest that success of technologies
depend on various factors including availability,
affordability, adaptability and acceptability of the
technology by the target groups. Therefore, while
introducing these technologies, one has to consider fuel