KUALA LUMPUR — A significant step forward in sustainable energy solutions is on the horizon as the Community Energy Toolkit (COMET) is set to be deployed in Nepal this month. In a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), COMET is gearing up to reshape Nepal's energy landscape, marking a key milestone in the global pursuit of sustainable and accessible energy solutions. As part of UNDP's Digital X programme, this initiative is poised to empower local communities with the knowledge and tools to design, analyze, and implement their own renewable energy projects, particularly focusing on mini-grid operations and electronic cooking (e-cooking).
Through a participatory approach, the tool will be used to develop and facilitate workshops in 10 Micro Hydropower (MHP) communities in Nepal’s Far Western Region. These workshops aim to explore demand, with a specific focus on e-cooking, and to build a deeper understanding of mini-grid operations within the community.
In addition to evaluating demand for e-cooking, these workshops will serve as a platform for the community to better understand mini-grid potential for e-cooking and to introduce strategies for managing demand-side operations. This holistic approach ensures that communities are not only consumers but also active participants in managing their energy resources.
As we deploy COMET in Nepal, we're not just introducing a new tool; we're inviting communities to take ownership of their energy future. This initiative is unique in its potential to harness Nepal's existing micro hydropower infrastructure and shift towards sustainable e-cooking solutions. With COMET's innovative approach, we're eager to witness how the communities will leverage this platform to create a more sustainable and self-reliant energy landscape. — Jorge Alberto Nieto Jimenez, Lead Facilitator.
An integral part of this initiative is to ensure that the expertise and knowledge on using the COMET tool and its approach are transferred effectively. This will be achieved by building the capacity of relevant personnel, enabling them to conduct community-based demand exploration and management.
By reaching out to 10 distinct communities, this programme seeks to showcase the potential of mini-grids in diverse regions of Nepal. This includes enabling the adoption of e-cooking and Productive Use of Electricity (PUE) equipment, with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of life in communities served by mini-grids.
The project, which will be conducted in two phases is part of UNDP's Digital X: Partnerships for Scale Programme, a pioneering initiative that aims to match and scale proven and innovative digital solutions with UNDP Country Offices and governments worldwide.
For more information, please contact: info@cometapp.net.