WFP Engineering brings solar energy to schools in Nepal: a pilot towards a greener future

Nepal faces significant challenges in combating malnutrition and poverty. A quarter of its population lives below the national poverty line, surviving on less than US$ 0.50 per day. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 25 percent of Nepali children under five years old are stunted, while 19 percent are underweight, and 8 percent suffer from wasting due to acute malnutrition.

Through the School Meals Programme, WFP Nepal supports government efforts to prevent and manage malnutrition. Meals are a powerful incentive for parents to send their children to school — and to keep them there.

Since 2015, WFP Management Services Engineers in Nepal have been collaborating with the Government to create child-friendly schools and enhance the learning environment. They have done this by building and rehabilitating school infrastructure to make sure children have access to appropriate kitchens, as well as latrines and washing stations. These efforts have resulted in the rehabilitation of more than 200 school kitchens and 250 washing stations in seven districts across the country, benefiting a total of 30,000 children.

Planet-friendly schools: A pathway towards green energy

Recently, the Government has embraced the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) model, which increases the resilience of communities to global and local shocks, boosts markets, creates jobs and contributes to a more sustainable food system. HGSF also promotes a greener economy through the localization of food production, distribution, and consumption.

In this context, WFP Engineers are committed to creating planet-friendly schools, providing a green energy solution for the preparation of school meals. A pilot project has been implemented in two schools, in Nuwakot and Sindhupalchok districts, involving the installation of a solar energy system and induction stoves for the preparation of school meals and other school-related activities.

“This is a transformative project by which WFP aims to provide clean energy solutions for school feeding in 1,000 schools in Nepal. By enhancing renewable energy solutions in schools, WFP Engineers are creating an environment where children have the opportunity to receive a quality education and access to nutritious food”, Robert Kasca, WFP Country Director in Nepal.

The solar system in these schools ensures a minimum power supply of 3 hours and 30 minutes every day, which enables the preparation of 35 kg of food, enough to feed 100 children. Any generated surplus is used to power other schools’ electric devices and allows them to irrigate their kitchen garden for 2 hours daily. Beyond the significant reduction in energy expenses, with potential savings of up to 75 percent, the system can export surplus energy to the municipal supply grid, generating an additional income stream for the school.

For Sara Adam, Management Services Division Director, “It is inspiring to see the positive impact Engineering projects have on the lives of children of the families we serve. Projects like this one not only provide students with healthy and nutritious meals, but also contribute to the creation of a more sustainable world for future generations. Congratulations to the exceptional team of Management Services Engineers who play a pivotal role in bringing forth these positive changes by bringing clean and efficient cooking solutions to schools.”

WFP Nepal's commitment to supporting local communities and empowering them through sustainable and environment-friendly solutions is paving the way for a more sustainable future, where education, nutrition, and clean energy go hand in hand.

 

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More about WFP Nepal: www.wfp.org/countries/nepal

More about WFP Engineering: www.wfp.org/engineering-services