Gham Power – Powering up Laxmi Steels with solar & smart battery (Nepal)
Description
- Type of system: 924 kWp commercial and industrial solar PV system with smart battery integration
- Location of project: Sunwal, Nawalparasi, Nepal
- Completion date: 29 September, 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, we combine solar technology with smart data systems to strengthen climate resilience and economic growth across Nepal.
The Challenge
Laxmi Steels faced significant energy challenges due to its heavy reliance on the grid and three diesel generators to power its large-scale steel manufacturing operations. Frequent power outages, voltage fluctuations and high energy costs were affecting operational efficiency and increasing operational expenses. As a major industrial facility with continuous production demands and no ability to shut down for installation works, Laxmi Steels needed a solution that could be deployed without interrupting factory output.
To address these issues and move toward a more reliable and sustainable energy source, the company adopted solar energy by installing a rooftop solar system. This transition helped improve energy stability, reduce dependency on fossil fuel-based backup power and support long-term eco-friendly operations.
Renewable Solution
A 924 kWp rooftop solar PV system was designed and installed by Gham Power over four months. Solar was selected to significantly reduce the factory’s dependence on the NEA grid and diesel generators, lower energy costs and move the company toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible operational model. The installation presented considerable technical and safety challenges because Laxmi Steels could not pause production. The Gham Power team worked on the roof while steel manufacturing continued below, managing the intense heat, constant noise and the physical risks of pulling heavy AC cables at height. The team completed the project safely and on schedule, demonstrating strong project execution capability in demanding industrial conditions.
Project Financing and Costs
The project was made possible through the financial support of Nepal Renewable Energy Programme, UK Aid, and Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, whose contribution helped make this sustainable energy solution a reality. The funding support played a crucial role in covering the project costs and enabling the successful implementation of the solar system.
Project Outcome
The installation of this solar project is making a great difference. Laxmi Steels expects a significant reduction in diesel consumption, saving around 540 kilolitres over the next 25 years. Along with lowering diesel use, the solar installation will also make a positive impact on the environment by cutting approximately 2,730 tonnes of carbon emissions over the same period. The financial benefits are equally impressive, as Laxmi Steels is projected to save around 15% on energy costs in the long run. By choosing solar, the company is not only making an environmentally responsible decision but also a financially sound one.
Next Steps
Building on the success of the solar installation, Laxmi Steels is now serving as the pilot site for Gham Power’s GRIPS2 project (Grid Resilience through Intelligent Photovoltaic Storage, Phase 2). GRIPS2 integrates a 2 MW / 4 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a 1 MWp solar PV installation and an AI-powered Microgrid Management System, creating Nepal’s first industrial-scale smart battery and solar microgrid. The pilot is currently underway at Laxmi Steels and Gham Power expects to be able to share comprehensive insights and results from this innovative system within the next couple of years. These findings will help establish a replicable model for smart industrial energy management across Nepal and the wider South Asia region.
Website: https://ghampower.com/