Nepal’s Green Hydrogen Efforts Gain Momentum as Expert Details Pilot Projects, Costs, and Future Potential

Lately, the debate on green hydrogen in Nepal has gained significant momentum. Kathmandu University has imported hydrogen-powered vehicles for testing and is continuously researching it. Similarly, the Nepal Energy Foundation has successfully carried out cooking tests using green hydrogen produced from the Giringdi River small hydropower project in Badigad Rural Municipality, Baglung. In Pyuthan, the Butwal Power Company has also advanced work on hydrogen production at the Jhimruk Hydropower Project.

These developments suggest strong potential for green hydrogen in Nepal. But how can it be technically and commercially utilized? What do existing studies and research indicate so far? To explore these questions, TechPana’s Arjun Pokhrel spoke in detail with energy expert Sher Singh Bhat, who played a key role in the pilot green hydrogen project at the Giringdi River Small Hydropower Project in Baglung. The interview covers his post-retirement journey from the Nepal Electricity Authority, the green hydrogen production process, its risks, costs, and policy requirements.