FEASIBILITY OF BIODIESEL FROM JATROPHA IN THE CONTEXT OF NEPAL

Abstract

Nepal has no petroleum resources and imports all required petroleum products. Fluctuating prices, reliability of supply and political issues all make this an undesirable energy source.  It is best for Nepal to actively pursue developing and promoting alternative domestic energy sources like bio-fuels from Jatropha. Rather than importing petroleum products from other countries, national development would be much more sustainable and stable if local resources are put to use to some extent. The bio-fuel domestic production model also aides in local capacity development and employment along with providing numerous other environmental benefits. In order to ensure success, bio-fuels must be properly managed through all stages of cultivation, production, promotion, and commercialization. Currently there is a lack of data defining the best practices for these stages. Numerous other countries, such as India, Brazil and the USA have shown that bio-fuels can be used as an effective alternative to fossil fuels.  An in-depth study on the promotion of appropriate technology, identification of problems and exploration of stakeholder’s ideas will help to promote bio-fuels for Nepal in the same ways as it has been worked for other nations. Feasibility of biodiesel depends on its capability to compete with imported petroleum products, so financial and economic indicators will help to promote biodiesel from Jatropha as a potential alternative energy in the Nepalese context.