Study on Economic Instruments for Promotion of VSBK Technology in Nepal

The brick industry is the single most important building material producer in Nepal and is a highly energy consuming sector. The traditional Bhuse Bhatta (clamp kilns) used to be the dominant technology to produce bricks in Nepal. With the technology shift movement initiated in early 1950, the traditional clamp kilns were replaced by Bull’s Trench Kiln – first movable chimney (MCBTK) and then fixed chimney (FCBTK). The traditional Bull’s Trench Kiln (BTK) technology uses coal as main fuel and has inefficient fuel burning process thus resulting in excessive local air pollution and high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In a bid to reduce environmental pollutions and GHG emissions caused by BTK, a more energy efficient technology, Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK), is being promoted.

In this context, Winrock International has joined hand with VSBK Project Nepal to undertake a study to support the Government of Nepal (GoN) in developing economic instruments for the promotion of the VSBK technology engaging all relevant stakeholders.