Solar Organic Rankine Cycle Technology for Electricity Generation, Heating and Cooling: A New Pathway for Sustainable Development in Himalayas and Terai Regions of Nepal

Solar organic Rankine cycle technology (SORC) uses thermal energy from the sun to produce electricity. In addition, it provides hot water, space heating, and cooling for people living in Himalayas and Terai regions of Nepal. Furthermore, it displaces the need of using kerosene or other traditional sources for lighting homes in remote areas of Nepal. Overall, when this technology will be fully matured, it could be one of the appropriate technologies for the sustainable development of the country. The useful approach for financing a solar ORC system in Nepal will be by providing start-up and working capital loans. In the preliminary stages of ORC market development, it is important to provide financial support to producers to develop a market and for working capital. On the other hand, co-financing should be provided for specific promotional campaigns targeted either geographically or at specific stakeholder groups, such as by banks.