Energy transition can have different facets in mountain regions. In this regard, Nepal features a contradictory condition: On the one hand, significant investments have been made to expand both the country’s generation capacity and its transmission and distribution network. While there are still some challenges, Nepal is already experiencing a situation of electricity surplus. On the other hand, electricity consumption is not following this trend. On the contrary, fossil fuel import dependency is steadily increasing. For instance, LPG has become the dominant cooking fuel in urban areas. Increasing the uptake of electric cooking (e-Cooking) is one important component of the energy transition in the country. Yet, less than 1% of the population rely on electricity as their primary cooking fuel. While extensive research explores e-cooking adoption at the household level, little is known about its uptake among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

This study aims to contribute knowledge on how to trigger the demand of e-cooking solutions for commercial purposes in rural mountain areas of Nepal. For this aim an action research setting is designed that address and involve owners of tea shops, restaurants and hotels along the mid-hill (Pushpalal) highway in Badigad and Nishikhola Rural Municipalities. The research comprises three main phases. 1) A baseline assessment aims at: a) characterizing the type of potential users and their cooking practices and b) assessing the availability of commercial devices that can properly meet their cooking needs. 2) A cooking demonstration campaign is designed in order to inform and train potential users about the use of e-cooking solutions that can meet their needs. Moreover, participants’ willingness to engage in a testing phase will be assessed. 3) During the testing phase, suitable e-cooking solutions will be installed at the business of the users that feature the highest willingness to engage. Data on their regular use will be recorded for 2 to 3 months. The data will allow the evaluation of the practicality, efficiency, impacts and user acceptance of the tested e-cooking solutions.

The findings will provide critical insights for scaling up e-cooking solutions and contributing to Nepal’s clean energy transition.