In Nepal, a significant milestone has been achieved in the realm of sustainable energy with the successful testing of green hydrogen production and refueling. Led by the Green Hydrogen Lab within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kathmandu University, this accomplishment comes after two years of dedicated research and development efforts.
Last October marked a pivotal moment when the university imported a Nexo fuel cell hydrogen car from South Korea, in collaboration with the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC). This initiative aimed to assess the feasibility and potential applications of hydrogen vehicles within the Nepali context.
Dr. Virajsingh Thapa, Deputy Professor at the department, spearheaded the successful testing of the university-produced hydrogen in the imported vehicle. Taking to social media, Dr. Thapa shared the momentous occasion, declaring it as “Hydrogen Day for Nepal” and expressing pride in the achievement of his team.
Green hydrogen, derived from water through the process of electrolysis, holds immense promise as a clean and renewable energy source. This method involves splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, with the hydrogen serving as a versatile energy carrier. Notably, the oxygen released during the process poses no adverse environmental impacts, contributing to a sustainable ecosystem.
Dr. Thapa has long championed the potential of hydrogen production and utilization in Nepal, citing the country’s abundant water resources and potential for self-sufficiency in energy production. He envisions a future where Nepal harnesses its wasted hydropower to produce hydrogen, thereby reducing dependence on imported fuels and positioning the Nepal Oil Corporation as a leading exporter of sustainable energy solutions.
As Nepal embarks on this journey towards embracing hydrogen as a viable energy alternative, it holds the potential to revolutionize the country’s energy landscape, paving the way for greater energy independence and sustainability.
