Economics

Environmental, energy security, and energy equity (3E) benefits of net-zero emission strategy in a developing country: A case study of Nepal

author list

author list

Institution: rnfinity

Email: info@rnfinity.com

Shree Raj Shakya,

Shree Raj Shakya

Institution: Research Institute for Sustainability - Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS), Potsdam, Germany

Email: shreeraj.shakya@iass-potsdam.de

Amrit Man Nakarmi,

Amrit Man Nakarmi

Institution: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal

Email: info@rnfinity.com

Anita Prajapati,

Anita Prajapati

Institution: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal

Email: info@rnfinity.com

Bijay Bahadur Pradhan,

Bijay Bahadur Pradhan

Institution: Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand

Email: info@rnfinity.com

Utsav Shree Rajbhandari,

Utsav Shree Rajbhandari

Institution: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal

Email: info@rnfinity.com

Maheswar Rupakheti,

Maheswar Rupakheti

Institution: Research Institute for Sustainability - Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS), Potsdam, Germany

Email: info@rnfinity.com

Mark G. Lawrence

Mark G. Lawrence

Institution: Research Institute for Sustainability - Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS), Potsdam, Germany

Email: info@rnfinity.com

There is a growing number of national, subnational and even company targets for net-zero emissions of CO2 in support of the Paris Climate Agreement goals of limiting the global average temperature increase within 1.5 °C by 2100. The challenges faced by developing countries in achieving net-zero em...
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There is a growing number of national, subnational and even company targets for net-zero emissions of CO2 in support of the Paris Climate Agreement goals of limiting the global average temperature increase within 1.5 °C by 2100. The challenges faced by developing countries in achieving net-zero emissions targets are, however, very prominent due to their common desire for rapid economic growth, improved socio-economic conditions, and greater climate resilience. In addition, this has to overcome many constraints related to the competitiveness, acceptability, and sustainability of proposed and planned low-carbon initiatives. It is thus very important to understand the economic and technical characteristics of net-zero emissions concepts and pathways. The constraints can best be addressed if actual and transparent co-benefits related to these initiatives are identified and reflected during their implementation. Here we employ the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) to examine Nepal’s recently introduced ‘Long-term Strategy for Net-zero Emissions’ and to estimate anticipated co-benefits in terms of reducing air pollutants emission and enhancing energy security and energy equity. Under the reference scenario (REF), the annual CO2 emission is expected to increase from 23 MtCO2 in 2019 to 79 MtCO2 in 2050 with significant increase in air pollutants emissions in the range of 60% (Organic Carbon) to 183% (SO2), increase in energy import dependency, reaching electricity consumption per capita below one-quarter of the world average. Under the ‘With Additional Measures (WAM)’ strategy scenario, air pollutants would be reduced in the range of 70% (Organic Carbon) to 85% (Black Carbon) respectively, in 2050 as compared to the REF. Similarly, it results drastic improvement in energy security indicators and energy equity. It is expected that the findings of this study will provide useful input to policymakers, private sector, societal actors and researchers in support of successful implementation of the initiatives for sustainable socio-economic transformation pathways.
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