Mat Zero in Nepal

Mat Zero's Energy Catalyst (an Innovate UK programme) team is recently back from its preliminary visit to Nepal, in preparation for our field trials of Mat Zero's heating system this winter.

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And what a trip it was! Within days of arriving in Kathmandu, the country was hit by unprecedented rainfall, resulting in major flooding and landslides, bringing many areas of Nepal to a standstill. After a few days and many crack of dawn starts at the airport, cancelled flights and chaos, the team finally made the short flight to Pokhara, with a stunning view of the Himalayas.

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The coming together of Mat Zero's project partners (Swansea University, Solapak Development Ltd and locally based Pahar Trust Nepal) in person made a significant impact on the success of the mission. With support from our partner NGO we were able to meet and stay with the communities where the mats will be trialled, each a few hour's drive from Pokhara in different rural settings. Our focus groups were key two-way learning exercises, understanding how the mat would integrate into their daily lives and the important health benefits it would bring.

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Although a noticeable difference in the economic situation of the two villages, the commonality was the need for safe and fume-less heating in their homes. We were warmly welcomed with true Nepalese hospitality, and we took the time to talk and build this working relationship, fundamental to the collaboration's success.

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Through our visits and meetings with various local NGO's, we learnt of the developments Nepal has achieved in the last 10 years and their ambitions for the future, truly embracing the spirit of the UN's pledge to 'Leave No One Behind', central to their Sustainable Development Goals.

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We are honoured to be part of that movement, in transitioning to clean energy access. A huge thank you to our on-the-ground partners, Pahar Trust for facilitating our trip despite the weather and logistic challenges of the timing of our visit! We are already looking forward to returning this winter to commence the pilot.

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Thank you to The Carbon Trust for ongoing support on the project.

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