Gham Power – Powering health: KIOCH’s solar transformation (Nepal)
Description
- Type of system: 31.6 kWp commercial rooftop solar PV system
- Location of project: Damak, Jhapa, Nepal
- Completion date: 25 October, 2024
Company description
Gham Power, established in 2010, is a solar company driving Nepal’s transition toward a sustainable future. From powering industries and rural communities to digitalising agriculture, they combine solar technology with smart data systems to strengthen climate resilience and economic growth across Nepal.
The Challenge
Nepal’s child healthcare system faces significant challenges such as growing patient demand, limited access in rural areas and chronic power outages that disrupt hospital operations. KIOCH, a newly built pediatric hospital, was particularly vulnerable to these power disruptions. They faced frequent power cuts and voltage fluctuations from the grid, which disrupted critical healthcare services and increased dependence on costly backup generators. This affected operational efficiency and added financial strain to the hospital’s daily functions.
A change was needed to ensure an uninterrupted power supply, reduce dependency on diesel generators and provide a more reliable and sustainable energy solution to support essential medical services.
Renewable Solution
This particular renewable energy solution was chosen because solar power offers a reliable, cost-effective and sustainable alternative to unstable grid electricity and expensive diesel backup. For a healthcare facility like KIOCH, uninterrupted power is critical for operating medical equipment and ensuring patient safety. A solar system not only reduces operational costs and dependency on fuel but also provides clean and reliable energy over the long term, which makes it the most practical and impactful solution for the hospital’s needs.
Project Financing and Costs
This initiative was made possible through financial support from GRID Alternatives and the technical expertise of Gham Power. The project involved hands-on training for 10 international volunteers from RES in off-grid solar installation.
Project Outcome
KIOCH’s move to solar energy helps to create a greener and more sustainable environment. The 31.6 kW solar system is fully operational at KIOCH, providing reliable and sustainable power to 200 hospital beds and uninterrupted healthcare services. This project will reduce 70 tons of carbon emissions and displace 10.5 kiloliters of diesel over 25 years, setting a powerful example of eco-friendly progress in Nepal’s healthcare sector.
Next Steps
KIOCH’s solar installation demonstrates that healthcare facilities, even those serving high-need and resource-constrained communities, can successfully adopt renewable energy to improve operational resilience and environmental outcomes. Gham Power is committed to supporting further solar adoption across Nepal’s health sector, using KIOCH as a reference case for similar institutions.
Website: https://ghampower.com/