Nepal’s groundbreaking research on Global Hydrogen Energy published

KATHMANDU:  Nepal has made a significant mark on the global stage of renewable energy research with the recent publication of two groundbreaking papers in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. The prestigious Q1 journal, boasting an impressive Impact Factor of 7.2, highlights the innovative work coming out of Nepal in the field of hydrogen energy.

The first paper is titled “Hydrogen Production from Surplus Hydropower: Techno-economic Assessment with Alkaline Electrolysis in Nepal’s Perspective” explores the potential of utilizing Nepal’s surplus hydropower for hydrogen production through alkaline electrolysis.

The second study, “Techno-economic Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Waste Heat Recovery Plant in the Context of Nepal,” stands out for its groundbreaking scope and potential to revolutionize the renewable energy sector. This research not only reflects the dedication and innovation of Nepali researchers but also represents a major contribution to the advancement of hydrogen energy technologies.

Amid Nepal’s ongoing economic and technological transformation, these publications showcase the nation’s burgeoning expertise and resilience. Despite limited facilities and resources, Nepali researchers are making substantial contributions to global scientific and engineering advancements. This success story underscores the vast potential within Nepali communities to lead in the green transition.

As the world looks for sustainable energy solutions, Nepal’s emerging role in hydrogen energy technology serves as an inspiring example of innovation and dedication in the face of challenges. The country is poised to set a benchmark in renewable energy practices and contribute significantly to the global shift towards sustainability.

International Collaboration

The groundbreaking research on green hydrogen spanned over nine months and involved extensive international collaboration, with significant work conducted in Nepal, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

Central to this project was Enviro Renewables, a research-based start-up in Nepal that was supported by the prestigious Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and Nepal’s Institute of Engineering (IOE), Punchwork. TU Delft, renowned globally for its engineering expertise, provided essential academic guidance and resources, while IOE played a crucial role in integrating local insights and facilitating on-ground research in Nepal.

The research was guided by a project advisor from one of the Netherlands’ leading technical consulting firms and by personnel with experience at major consulting giants like PwC and Deloitte. Moreover, experts from renowned universities such as TU Delft, DTU, the Institute of Engineering (IOE) in Nepal, and The Hague University of Applied Sciences were instrumental, offering their knowledge. Given Nepal’s limited infrastructure for advanced research in sustainable energy, the team faced significant challenges.

There is a considerable lack of robust platforms for large-scale technical studies and simulations within the country. To navigate these obstacles, the researchers leveraged open-source software, specifically DWSIM. This choice was thoughtful, aiming to enable countries like Nepal to conduct essential simulations and technical analyses without the responsibility of expensive software. The use of open-source technology demonstrated a practical approach to overcoming financial constraints and advancing sustainable energy research.

The research also highlighted a critical gap in support from the government of Nepal and the private sector for exploring and developing evolving energy sources. Strengthening public-private partnerships is essential to harnessing the potential of sustainable energy research and fostering development.

The involvement of the talented Nepali diaspora, along with enhanced local capabilities, emerged as a crucial element in transforming Nepal’s energy sector. By integrating advanced knowledge from international collaborators and promoting sustainable development, Nepal can significantly advance its economic and technological landscape.

As Nepal undergoes a transformative economic transition, our research signifies the nation’s growing capabilities on the global engineering and scientific stage. The research also underscored the importance of international cooperation and the strategic use of open-source technology in driving sustainable progress in resource-limited settings.