Dialogue on green hydrogen commercialization held

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, July 6: VRock and Company, in collaboration with Nepal Oil Corporation, organized a high-level Strategic Dialogue on the Commercialization of Green Hydrogen in Nepal, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and energy experts to explore viable pathways for integrating green hydrogen into Nepal's energy portfolio.

Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta, Executive Director of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), welcomed participants with a bold message: “NOC is ready to diversify its business portfolio.” Highlighting the Corporation’s strong financial footing and the emerging challenge posed by increasing electrification in transportation and cooking, Dr. Bhatta emphasized the urgency for NOC to evolve beyond fossil fuels and anchor itself in sustainable energy ventures that strengthen Nepal’s economic growth and energy security, according to a press note issued on Friday by VRock and Company.

Dr. Biraj Singh Thapa, Team Leader of the Green Hydrogen Lab at Kathmandu University, delivered a technical presentation outlining Nepal’s vast potential for green hydrogen development. Drawing from years of academic groundwork and pilot research, he urged for a shift from laboratory experimentation to on-ground implementation: “We must now break the norm and create tangible projects outside the lab environment,” he stated.

A dynamic panel discussion, chaired by Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MOICS), and moderated by former Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, saw thought-provoking exchanges on Nepal’s readiness to integrate hydrogen across industrial sectors. Panelists included: Shivaram Pokharel, Joint Secretary, MOICS, Sandip Dev, Joint Secretary, Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) and Birendra Pandey, Senior Vice President, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI).

The discussion underscored the urgent need for pilot and demonstration projects, a dedicated anchor agency, and policy-level alignment to scale up hydrogen integration. Dr. Ghimire, while summarizing the session, reaffirmed: “The transition cannot wait. We must initiate pilot projects at the earliest possible.”

A pivotal highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Green Hydrogen Roadmap Development: Strategic Feasibility Study and Business Modeling for Nepal Oil Corporation”, carried out by VRock and Company. Presenters Bidur Bhusal and Swastik Aryal unveiled two pilot project concepts—one each for transportation and cooking—proposed under a phased development approach for NOC. The study recommended robust private sector engagement, public awareness campaigns, and cross-sector partnerships to drive early-stage success, read the press release.

The dialogue saw enthusiastic participation from senior figures across academia and regulatory bodies. Sher Singh Bhat from the Nepal Energy Foundation shared ongoing efforts in piloting hydrogen-powered cooking in Badigad RM of Baglung. Former KU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa reflected on Nepal’s early role in green hydrogen research, cautioning: “It’s now or never for Nepal to lead in green hydrogen.” He noted that India, despite starting later, has already made significant headway.

Notable attendees included Dr. Ram Prasad Dhital, Chairman of the Electricity Regulatory Commission, and former secretaries Madhu Marasini, Purushottam Ojha, and Madhu Prasad Bhetuwal, Dr. Shree Raj Shakya, Director of Center of Energy Studies, Institute of Engineering, as well as Anjan Shrestha, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). The event drew a significant audience from across the private sector, academia, and senior NOC officials.

The dialogue marks a vital step forward in aligning Nepal’s energy vision with global trends in hydrogen development. As momentum builds, the commitment from stakeholders signals a strong foundation for launching Nepal into the era of clean hydrogen—a promising leap for energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification, according to the press release.