By: Regeena Regmi, Communication Specialist, NREP
Galaxy Packaging stands as a prominent name in the packaging industry, supplying to some of Nepal’s most well-known brands. Like many industries, it had long relied on diesel generators to meet its energy needs—until recently. Recognizing the rising costs and environmental impact of fossil fuels, Galaxy Packaging made a strategic switch biomass pellet burner. The decision was not just an operational shift but a sustainable leap toward energy efficiency.
Cutting Down Costs, Cutting Out Fossil Fuels
Previously reliant on diesel generator, their transition to a biomass pellet burner has had a transformative impact. With diesel prices steadily increasing, the shift to biomass has enabled the company to significantly reduce fuel expenses. Manish Agrawal, Director of the industry said “Previously we were using Deisel Generators, which would cost us around Rs. 1,500,000 monthly now after switching to biomass pellet burners this cost has reduced to approx. Rs. 1,000,000”.
Moreover, biomass pellets are a locally sourced, renewable energy resource, further reducing the company’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. This switch has provided the company with greater energy security and price stability, ensuring that operations run smoothly without being disrupted by volatile fuel markets. Under Nepal Renewable Energy Programme’s Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund’s Demand Aggregation Window, Janda Devi Nepal Pvt. Ltd. provided technical assistance to Galaxy Packaging by conducting a cost-benefit analysis for switching from diesel burners to pellet-based burners. Janda Devi successfully installed the pellet burners, replacing the existing diesel burners. They also assisted Galaxy Packaging in selecting suitable burner suppliers and are responsible for providing regular repair and maintenance services. Additionally, Janda Devi serves as the pellet supplier for the company.
Sustainability at the Core
Galaxy Packaging’s decision also aligns with Nepal’s broader ambition to adopt cleaner energy solutions. Moving away from diesel fuel means the company has lowered its carbon footprint, playing a small but meaningful role in mitigating climate change. The biomass pellet burner not only produces fewer emissions but also promotes the utilization of agricultural waste, giving it an added environmental benefit.
The success of Galaxy Packaging demonstrates how sustainable energy solutions can be both economically viable and environmentally responsible. As more industries face rising fuel costs and environmental scrutiny, the company’s journey serves as an inspiration for others to explore alternative energy options. Galaxy Packaging by embracing a biomass pellet burner has set a new benchmark for sustainability in Nepal’s manufacturing sector—one that saves costs, reduces fossil fuel dependency, and contributes to a greener future. Galaxy Packaging’s story is a testament to how even small steps toward sustainability can create a ripple effect, benefiting businesses, communities, and the planet alike.
SECF- a viability gap funding mechanism is embedded within the Central Renewable Energy Fund (CREF), a financial mechanism of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, which was established and operationalized with funding support from the British Embassy, Kathmandu and technical assistance from Nepal Renewable Energy Programme (NREP).
NREP is a Government of Nepal programme implemented by Alternative Energy Promotion Center and a consortium led by DAI Global and including Winrock International