Research Laboratory Kathmandu University Dhulikhel, Kavre

Energy systems research
for Nepal's transition.

ESTRL works on solar drying, battery storage, electric mobility and energy efficient buildings. We test them under Himalayan conditions and against Nepal's energy policy.

View research Meet the team

Funded projects

20+

Researchers & alumni

Research programmes

2025

Current funding cycle

01 / Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator

Prof. Bivek Baral

Vice Chancellor, Kathmandu University

Principal Investigator, ESTRL

Prof. Baral established ESTRL's research direction as its founding Principal Investigator. His work spans sustainable energy systems, energy systems optimisation, efficient buildings, life cycle assessment, and storage and smart-grid integration.

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02 / About

What the lab does

ESTRL sits within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kathmandu University. We do laboratory testing, field measurement and policy review, and the results feed into national standards and into practice.

Renewable systems at Kathmandu University

Mission

To improve energy systems through research and teaching, and to develop solutions that support sustainable development and everyday quality of life.

Vision

To be an academic research hub known for its work on a sustainable and resilient energy supply.

More about the lab

Second-life batteries & BESS

Repurposing retired EV packs and sizing battery energy storage for resilient microgrids and community supply.

Solar drying & e-cooking

Solar dryers, electric cooking transition studies and Water Boiling Test benchmarking for Himalayan conditions.

Energy efficient buildings

Thermal comfort, indoor air quality and building energy performance. This work feeds into the National Building Code.

03 / Projects

Current research programmes

Programme	Period	Funder
Solar Food Himalaya II (KU-SRC-II) Sustainable solar food processing technologies for Himalayan value chains.	2025 to current	Swedish Research Council
Transition to electric cooking Field studies, WBT efficiency testing and clean-cooking policy review.	2023/24, Year 2	EnergizeNepal (NORAD)
Transition to electric transportation Urban drive-pattern study and modular EV design, simulation and prototyping for rural Nepal.	2023/24, Year 2	EnergizeNepal (NORAD)
Thermal comfort & indoor air quality Nationwide survey and analysis. The work lays the groundwork for national standards.	2023/24, Year 2	EnergizeNepal (NORAD)