Humla Pico Project

Humla, Nepal
The Humla Pico Project is a joint initiative between the EnerGreen Foundation and Light Up the World (a Calgary-based charity) to provide residents of the Kholsi Village in Humla, Nepal with reliable and environmentally sustainable means of generating power. Located in the remote, north-western part of Nepal, Humla is among the three poorest districts in the country. The 350 residents of Kholsi are mainly lower cast people with very little formal education. Prior to this project, the village did not have electricity. The people use "jharro" (raisin soaked pine wood) for cooking, light and heat in their homes. Jharro emits a thick black smoke that, in a confined area, causes enormous damage to the respiratory system. This is a particular threat to women and children who spend a significant amount of time in the home. The Humla Pico Project will significantly improve living conditions within the village and promote the economic and social development of the community.

Kholsi village has a sufficient water source to sustain a Pico hydro power plant and apply this technology for local power consumption. With 1 kW of power generated, 52 homes can have White Light Emitting Diode (WLED) lights, initially 2 and later up to 4 per home, with a maximum of 208 WLED lights in the community. In addition, some surplus power generation can be used to heat water, thereby further reducing firewood consumption and increasing health conditions inside the home.

The local community will be actively involved in the Humla Pico Project from the initial planning stage onwards by providing on site sweat equity. Furthermore, four people from Kholsi will be trained to look after and carry out the basic maintenance of the Pico power plant and distribution system. The training will be provided by Rural Electrification and Development Program (REDP), a Nepali NGO. Their personnel are very experienced in Pico hydro power (3 Picos completed in the district of Jumla), solar photovoltaics, smokeless metal stoves, pit latrines and village drinking water systems.

Sponsors - EnerGreen Foundation, Light Up the World, Kathmandu University, Rural Electrification and Development Program