Amid the hardships being faced by the business communities and the general public due to the energy crisis in the country, Kathmandu University has successfully tested a very noble and greener source of energy.

At a function jointly organized within the university’s premises by the Department of Environmental Science & Engineering and Mechanical Engineering on 19/03/2009, ‘used cooking oil’ was used to run diesel-based engine. This particular bio-fuel (used cooking oil) was collected from various hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu, which otherwise is thrown away. The bio-fuel can be used to run diesel-based power generators, irrigation pumps and vehicles and is believed to bring in some relief to the business community particularly the hospitality sector which produces a sizeable amount of discarded cooking oil and has to depend heavily on diesel generators to produce electricity at present.

Mr Manoj Badu, lecturer at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering of the university and a member of the volunteer group ‘eco-overlanders’ revealed about the university’s plan to conduct an eco-friendly trip from the East to the West of Nepal and few different places in India, using the same bio-fuel, which is being supported and sponsored by various non-government and government organizations such as Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC).

A talk program was organized at the CV Raman Auditorium of the University prior to the demonstration of the working of diesel engine. Speaking at the program, Prof. Panna Thapa- Dean of School of Science, reminded students of their responsibilities to the society while undertaking their innovative works in their academic field. Prof. Sanjay Nath Khanal- Director of the Students’ Affairs Division, applauded the biofuel-testing activity and encouraged students to respond to the changing environmental conditions. Associate Prof. Bhim Prasad Shrestha- head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, revealed various activities related to the development and promotion of alternative energy being carried out by the department at present and plans in future. Associate Prof. Janardan Lamichhane- head of the Biotechnology department, discussed the possibilities related to the exploration and development of environmental friendly knowledge and tools through biotechnological approach. Senior Training Officer of the AEPC Mr. Nawa Raj Dhakal, talked about AEPC’s role in the promotion of cleaner technologies in Nepal and expressed commitment for further support and collaboration. Mr. Miles Chadwick- a member of the eco-overlanders and volunteer from the UK shared his experience of working under various socio-economic circumstances and explained how small things could make a difference.

The program was attended by the students, teachers and researchers of the university, representative from the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), NGOs, Nepalese and international volunteers and media groups.

CALL FOR RESEARCH ARTICLES

Dear All,

KUSET (Kathmandu University e- journal) invites unpublished original research articles, short communications, expository and review articles for forthcoming issue (January, 2009). You can submit your articles to following production editors.

Research Articles submit to:

Dr. Dil Bahadur Gurung
Assistant Professor
Incharge: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
E mail: db_gurung@ku.edu.np

Dr. Dhurva Prasad Gauchan
Assistant Professor
Department of Biotechnology
Incharge: Biological Sciences
E mail: gauchan@ku.edu.np

Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha
Assistant Professor
Department of Environment Science and Engineering
Incharge: Earth & Environment Sciences & Engineering
E mail: rijan@ku.edu.np

Mr. Uttam Budhathoki
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacy
Incharge: Pharmaceutical Sciences
E mail: uttam@ku.edu.np

The Kathmandu University-Lecture Series in Renewable Energy and Environmental Management

Interaction with Ev-K2-CNR Researcher at the base of Mt. Everest

Availability of abundant natural resources and geo-physical features of Nepal attract not only tourists but also scientific researchers from around the world. The high mountains are facing ever increasing threat from the flow of tourists as well as global green house gas emission. It is important to be aware of rational use of natural resources for economic development as well environmental degradation. One of the main reasons for the local as well as global causes of the climate change may be the use of fossil fuels. However, there is an ample opportunity to use renewable energy technology such as solar photovoltaic, wind as well as small scale hydropower plants in such areas in Nepal. It is necessary to establish a culture of constructive dialogues between academicians and professionals in order to harness the bountiful natural resources in a sustainable way…….

[click here for more detial]

A Memoranda of Understanding was signed today between the Alternative Energy Promotion Center and Kathmandu University with an objective to complement each other in activities relating to research and development and implementation of renewable energy technologies. AEPC is a semi autonomous government institution mandated for the promotion and development of renewable (rural/alternative) energy technologies in Nepal. As part of promotional activities, AEPC encourages partnership with research institutions for maintaining energy systems at affordable level, meeting basic quality standards, and maximizing use of energy by providing appropriate technological solutions to the target groups. Similarly, KU established in 1991 started its engineering education programs from 1994. The education system especially focuses on projects and applied research works where undergraduate students from the very first semester undergo practical training and produce creative engineering models. AEPC has been promoting micro hydro, solar, biomass, improved water mill, biogas technologies while KU has been involved with R&D of these technologies since a long time. Hence, the signing of this MoU has opened ways for both parties to work together for expanding R&D activities so that problems relating to rural energy technologies and the energy needs of the rural population could be addressed by providing appropriate technological solutions.

To start with, the Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU and the Biomass Energy Component/ AEPC would work on identifying and standardizing metal stoves so that appropriate model would be disseminated in the high hill region of Nepal according to Rural Energy Policy 2006. In the future, the parties have agreed to work collaboratively for the following:

·  To identify appropriate renewable and alternative energy solutions for the rural population of Nepal and assist in achieving Government of Nepal (GoN) targets on rural/renewable energy by optimum utilization of natural resources.

·   To identify each other’s comparative advantages and complementarities of their respective programmes and activities to produce synergistic impacts especially in developing appropriate technologies and finally field level implementation.

· To collaborate together regarding the research and development of renewable energy systems – biomass energy technologies, micro-hydro, solar energy, wind energy, biogas technologies, improved water mill and other rural energy projects, in common working areas targeted for poverty reduction and improvement in health and environment.

·  The Parties may develop together a common agreed mechanism for their resource mobilization for research and development in renewable energy technologies to enhance access of rural energy technologies.

The MoU has been signed for a period of five (5) years from the date of signing. Executive Director Dr. Govind Raj Pokharel signed the MoU on behalf of AEPC while Registrar Dr. Bhadra Man Tuladhar signed the MoU on behalf of KU.

Kathmandu University in collaboration of Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is organizing a five day long South Asian Universities Youth festival (SAUFEST 2008) beginning from February 7, 2008.  

At a press conference organized in Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM) premises, Prof. Sanjay Nath Khanal, secretary of SAUFEST 2008 organizing committee, informed that the mega event will bring 31 universities from countries across the region: 6 universities from Nepal, 14 from India, 9 from Bangladesh and one each from Pakistan and Tanzania.  

Speaking in the program, Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University, Prof. Suresh Raj Sharma emphasized on the need of inter-university communication for building lasting partnerships and fostering regional co-operation. “The relevancy of festivals like these,” he added “is even greater owing to common cultural and historical heritage that binds the countries of this region”. Prof. Sharma also remarked that SAUFEST is not about competition; it’s about maintaining relationships and learning from each other. Invited in the program were special guests, Mr. Sampson David, Chief Coordinator of Association of Indian Universities (AIU ) and Prof Dayanand Dongaonkar, General Secretary AIU. They explained in brief the concept behind SAUFEST.  

In the program, Prof Dongaonkar spoke on the prevailing education system in India and the advances made during the post independence years. He highlighted the importance of youth participation for development, owing to the large young population across the region and because of their roles as the potential leaders of tomorrow. He also stressed the need to increase educational and intellectual exchange across the South Asian countries.  

 

TODAY’S SCHEDULE

   Inaugural Ceremony: 9 a.m. – University ground

   Lunch: 1 p.m. – Canteen

   Cultural Programs: 2 p.m.– CV Raman Auditorium

      1. Dance performance

      2. Musical performance 

      3. Fashion Show

      4. Documentary Show

   Dinner: 6 p.m. – Canteen

Kathmandu University

School of Engineering

Master’s Program

 

Call for Admission

 

Master of Engineering (ME) Programs

ME in Mechanical Engineering

ME in Communications Engineering

Duration: 2 year full-time.

 

Admission Process:

Submission of application form with copies of required certificates and CV; interview of selected candidates.

 

Eligibility for Application:

Candidate with four-year Bachelor Degree in related field with aggregate 50% marks on aggregate or CGPA of 2.5

Financial Support:

Depending on the area, support in the form of teaching assistantships, part-time teaching, fellowships, tuition fee support, etc. may be available for the deserving candidates.

Form Distribution: 13^th January 2008

Form Deadline:  20^th February 2008

For details, contact:

Kathmandu University

School of Engineering

P.O.Box 6250, Kathmandu, Nepal 

Phone :( 011)661399, 661511

Webpage: www.ku.edu.np

 

For Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Bim Prasad Shrestha

 

For Communication Engineering

Dr. Bhupendra Bimal Chhetri

 

MS by Research in Engineering

Mechanical, Computer, Electrical & Electronics

Contact concerned department for detail information or browse.

www.ku.edu.np