A team formed to study hydrogen fuel production in Nepal has submitted its report to Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal.
A team comprising Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, secretary at the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat submitted the report which has furnished a number of recommendations to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. The report recommended the government move ahead by devising a legal framework for green fuel.
“A roadmap containing short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans should be prepared for the production of fuel. Also, special policy and strategy should be formulated and the amendment should be made in the existing relevant laws related to energy production,” the report suggests.
Hydrogen fuel which is economically feasible and environmentally friendly is produced using electricity. The production and usage of fuel could help Nepal achieve a balance between demand and supply of electricity in Nepal and promote renewable energy.
The team comprising seven members has also suggested the government form a separate agency to initiate the production of fuel. Likewise, the report advised the government to entrust Alternative Energy Promotion Centre with responsibilities to lay the groundwork for the production of hydrogen fuel as well as to pilot the project.
The team has suggested the government stake steps in a phase-wise manner, including formulation of policy in the first phase, production of hydrogen fuel and promoting the usage of such fuel commercially in the second phase and to mark Nepal’s presence in the world market in the sector of hydrogen fuel in the third phase.
Receiving the report, Minister Bhusal assured the team to move ahead undertaking the needful actions such as formulation of policies and strategies in consultation with the experts. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy, she said Nepal stands a chance to lead the production and usage of hydrogen fuel in the world.
On the occasion, WEC Secretary Ghimire expressed his confidence that the report would significantly contribute to starting the production of hydrogen fuel in the country.
