A recent research paper highlights Nepal’s significant potential for biomass waste, which could greatly benefit the economy if effectively utilized. The study, titled “Possibilities and Challenges for Converting Waste Biomass into Fuel, Feed, and Fertiliser in Nepal,” suggests that using this biomass could cut CO2 emissions by up to 52% and meet 12% of the country’s energy needs.
Currently, much of Nepal’s waste biomass is used in traditional ways, like cooking fuel and animal feed, with little optimization. Open dumping and burning of municipal waste are common, negatively impacting the environment.
The research estimates that Nepal produces around 89 million tonnes of waste biomass annually from various sources. Proper management could yield up to 5 million tonnes of pellets and briquettes, 5 million tonnes of feed blocks, and significant amounts of biogas and fertiliser.
Utilizing waste biomass more effectively could reduce reliance on coal and LPG, improve indoor air quality, and contribute to sustainable development. However, challenges include inadequate infrastructure, lack of data, and inefficient management practices.
