Industrial hemp in Nepal: Production and valorization perspectives

IF 16.3 1区工程技术 Q1 ENERGY & FUELS

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews Pub Date : 2025-03-20 DOI:10.1016/j.rser.2025.115622

Sagar Kafle , Bibek Poudel , Purushottam Gyawali , Dilli Ram Bhattarai , Tri Dev Acharya , Rupesh Acharya , Saurav Dhakal , Prajal Pradhan , Sushil Adhikari

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Despite the numerous benefits of hemp, it remains prohibited in Nepal, and no prior studies have explored its potential for cultivation, production, and valorization. Considering various land, soil, and climatic parameters, 1.8 million hectares (ha) of suitable land have been identified for hemp production. Taking 10 %, 20 %, and 5 % of the feasible areas from the Terai, Hill, and Mountain regions, respectively, it is estimated that about 3.1–4.6 million tonnes (Mt) of solid fuel, 0.5–0.9 Mt of fiber, and 126–174 million liters of biodiesel can be produced in Nepal. The estimated solid fuel can account for 8.6–12.3 % of the country's total energy demand, while biodiesel can meet 7.3–10.1 % of the diesel consumption. The estimated production cost is USD 3,177/ha, with a cost-benefit ratio of 2.46–4.08, making hemp a profitable alternative crop. Utilizing hemp products could significantly contribute to Nepal's sustainable development goals, particularly goals 1, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 15. These novel findings could play a crucial role in advocating for the legalization of hemp cultivation and industrialization in Nepal.

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来源期刊

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 工程技术-能源与燃料

CiteScore

31.20

自引率

5.70%

发文量

1055

审稿时长

62 days

期刊介绍： The mission of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews is to disseminate the most compelling and pertinent critical insights in renewable and sustainable energy, fostering collaboration among the research community, private sector, and policy and decision makers. The journal aims to exchange challenges, solutions, innovative concepts, and technologies, contributing to sustainable development, the transition to a low-carbon future, and the attainment of emissions targets outlined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews publishes a diverse range of content, including review papers, original research, case studies, and analyses of new technologies, all featuring a substantial review component such as critique, comparison, or analysis. Introducing a distinctive paper type, Expert Insights, the journal presents commissioned mini-reviews authored by field leaders, addressing topics of significant interest. Case studies undergo consideration only if they showcase the work's applicability to other regions or contribute valuable insights to the broader field of renewable and sustainable energy. Notably, a bibliographic or literature review lacking critical analysis is deemed unsuitable for publication.