Nepal explores the possibilities of hydrogen production from 3500 MW surplus hydroelectricity by 2028.
The Himalayas range from the greatest band of mountains on the planet binging huge prospects of hydropower development opportunities. This is especially true in Nepal, where more than 20000 MW of hydropower projects are under some stage of development. However, the forecasted domestic demand for electricity falls much lower than its production within this year.
By the end of 2028, Nepal will have an excess of 3500 MW of electricity that might go to waste if proper energy management and policies are not defined at present. Exports of excess hydroelectricity by inter-border grid connection among the South Asian Countries is one of the major discussions in Nepal. However, geopolitical issues and high energy prices in Nepal may limit this possibility.
Kathmandu University has been conducting preliminary research activities on technology transfer and local adaptation of green hydrogen technologies in the context of Nepal. A Green Hydrogen Lab has been established with the vision “Nepalese industries specialized to produce, store, transport, and use green hydrogen energy at a commercial level”.
Government entities; Nepal Oil Corporation and Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Hydropower companies, and the Norwegian Government’s NORHED II have supported this research activities. The study from GHLab on green hydrogen potentials from surplus hydro energy in Nepal shows the Hydrogen production costs to US$1.17 per kg while the rest of the world has been able to reduce the cost to US$3 per kg.
Government of Nepal second Nationally Determined Contribution 2020 plans to formulate the Low Carbon Economic Development Strategy that will envision the country’s plan to promote economic development through low carbon emission with particular focus on energy, Industry, waste, forestry, agriculture, tourism, and urban settlements. In this context, low-carbon electricity from renewables has to become the preferred energy carrier.
Kathmandu University has set forth the concept of the National Hydrogen Initiative to explore the possibilities of Hydrogen production from the immense potential of renewables within the country.
Prof. Bhola Thapa, Vice-Chancellor of the University and Advisor at the Lab says:
There is a need for a consolidated program initiated and owned by the Government to establish and incubate the green hydrogen economy for Nepal, and prepare the business sector to take over the commercial applications in a competitive manner at local, regional, and international markets.
The Team leader of the lab, Asst. Prof. Biraj Singh Thapa says:
The National Hydrogen Initiatives is an activity under ‘University’s role in the state transformation’ from the new leadership at KU. Academic exercises are open knowledge thus we invite all the relevant stakeholders to contribute and take away whatever is possible.
Nepal is in the phase of energy transformation towards surplus energy. To channelize the energy towards green hydrogen, academics, government, and industries must come together to incubate a value chain for the business development with Green Hydrogen as the driving force to address the existing and upcoming challenges of the environment, fuel, energy, economy, and industrial development.
Article by: Abhishek Subedi
Abhishek Subedi is a researcher at Green Hydrogen Lab, Kathmandu University.
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