Brewing Success: Jagadamba Tea’s Solar-Powered Journey

Kathmandu; The Jagadamba Tea Processing Pvt. Ltd, Jhapa is using Solar Energy to brew its success. With support from Government of Nepal’s Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund (SECF), Simple Energy Pvt. Ltd has installed a Solar Roof Top System of 600.60 kWp at Jagadamba Tea in Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model under the Generation Based Incentive (GBI) window.

With 90% of the products being exported and having to compete in the international market, the need for a cost effective alternative sustainable source of energy had never been more pressing to the tea industry. With this shift, Jagadamba Tea has reduced its electricity bills and significantly cut back on fossil fuels enhancing the working conditions for their 60+ staff, majority of whom are women. The industry has also enhanced its brand reputation as an environmentally responsible producer attracting more customers and opening new market opportunities.

Staff at the Tea Industry

Khadga Budhathoki, staff at Jagadamba Tea said, “2/3rd of our electricity needs is now being fulfilled through this rooftop solar system, our electricity bill has also  decreased. Previously we used 65 liters of diesel per month for our backup generators, now we are using only 30. Installing this system has been fruitful for us.” The SECF’s role in bridging the viability gap for such initiatives is crucial, ensuring that sustainability isn’t just an aspiration but a tangible reality for businesses across the nation.

Dryer Machines, all running on Solar Energy

Accelerated by SECF, initiations such as this directly contributes to the governments ambitious target to diversify Nepal’s energy mix and fulfill the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goal of reaching net zero Greenhouse gas emission by 2045. The project directly supports Nepal’s attainment of Sustainable Development Goals of Affordable and Clean Energy (7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (8), Industry Innovation and Infrastructure (9), and Climate Action (13).

Rooftop Solar Installations

SECF is a challenge fund mechanism promoted by the Government of Nepal through Alternative Energy Promotion Centre with technical assistance from the Nepal Renewable Energy Programme (NREP) and financial support from the UK in Nepal. The GBI window of SECF incentivizes energy generation from Renewable Energy (RE) sources by providing support of Rupees 1.50 per unit for 5 years.

Regeena Regmi is a Communication Specialist associated with Nepal Renewable Energy Programme (NREP), Urja Khabar taken this news from NREP