Kathmandu: President Ram Chandra Paudel held a meeting with representatives from Kathmandu University’s (KU) Green Hydrogen Lab, signaling Nepal’s growing commitment to advancing green hydrogen technology.
The meeting, which took place at the President’s Office, focused on the current state of green hydrogen research, its future prospects, and Nepal’s strategic potential in this emerging global sector.
KU representatives, including Associate Professor Dr Biraj Singh Thapa, Dr Ram Lama, team leader of the Green Hydrogen Lab, Lakshman Lama, coordinator for Academia-Industry Cooperation, and project engineer Nitesh Yadav, presented the latest progress in green hydrogen research and development.
Dr Thapa highlighted Nepal’s unique advantage, citing the nation’s abundant water resources and surplus electricity generated from hydropower. He also highlighted Nepal’s potential to use fresh Himalayan water for green hydrogen production, positioning Nepal as a key player in the global hydrogen economy.
Dr Ram Lama called for more action, urging Nepal to allocate seed funding for research and initiate pilot projects in the hydrogen sector. He also stressed the importance of raising awareness about hydrogen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels.
The discussion was also focused on the need for an authorized institution to oversee green hydrogen efforts, supported by legislation outlined in the Green Hydrogen Policy, 2080.
The strategic roadmap proposed during the meeting includes establishing this institution, scaling up production for domestic use, and eventually expanding to regional exports. This approach is expected to unlock new economic opportunities while supporting Nepal’s sustainable development goals.
President Paudel expressed strong support for these initiatives, stating that hydrogen technology will play a vital role in achieving Nepal’s carbon neutrality goals. He confirmed that Nepal will advocate for hydrogen as a critical element of global sustainability at the upcoming COP 29 conference. The President also committed to coordinating with relevant ministries to ensure Nepal’s hydrogen sector receives the necessary support for its development.
Experts view this meeting as a pivotal moment in Nepal’s energy transition, marking a significant step toward sustainable and innovative solutions. With the right policies and strategic initiatives, Nepal is well-positioned to become a leader in green hydrogen production, benefiting both domestic markets and regional partners.
This endorsement from Nepal’s highest office is expected to accelerate green hydrogen development, setting the stage for a sustainable energy future.
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