Historically, the rise of the automobile industry significantly accelerated the pace of industrialization. In its early phase, the automobile engine began with steam engines, leading to the operation of trains and other vehicles, which significantly accelerated both transportation and prosperity. Today, the automobile sector stands as a fundamental pillar of industrial growth. As technology progressed, fuel sources evolved from coal to petrol, diesel, and eventually gas-powered engines. However, alongside development and prosperity came a serious environmental challenge, with long-term impacts on human civilization itself. Now, the key challenge is to ensure sustainable development by exploring alternative fuels for transportation. Renewable energy is the most viable and effective solution.
Over the past decade, international discussions including Nepal’s participation, have centered on integrating renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro into the transportation sector. This debate revolves around two main aspects: Light vehicles running on petrol for short distances, and heavy vehicles running on diesel for long distances.
Today, electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries are used as alternatives to petrol. However, batteries have their own limitations such as limited storage capacity, the need for charging infrastructure, and weight issues. These limitations, particularly for heavy-duty and long-distance transportation, have led researchers to explore other energy alternatives. This brings us to a key question: What is the viable alternative to diesel for long-distance and commercial transportation?
Hydrogen fuel has emerged as a promising solution to replace diesel in the transportation sector. While a few EVs, such as buses, are already in operation in Nepal, they are not yet viable substitutes for diesel, especially in the case of heavy-duty vehicles. In the long term, however, hydrogen appears to be the most viable alternative to diesel.
To understand this, it’s important to note that hydrogen-powered vehicles are a type of EV, but instead of using a battery to store electricity, they generate power through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell. For instance, trucks transporting goods, like rice from Kolkata to Karnali, could benefit greatly from hydrogen fuel. This technology has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of long-distance transportation, but its widespread implementation in Nepal faces substantial challenges.
To address such practical challenges with long-term solutions, the role of education and research is becoming increasingly important. After extensive study and research on how technology is evolving in developed and developing countries alike, we at Kathmandu University have come to the same conclusion as many global institutions. In this light, hydrogen fuel is now being considered a long-term alternative to diesel. Just as hydroelectricity is used to charge batteries for EVs, electricity from hydropower or solar sources can also be used to produce hydrogen, which can then be used as fuel. Research from leading automobile companies worldwide also indicates that hydrogen will be the real alternative to petrol and diesel for heavy-duty vehicles in the future and this technology is already being commercialized.
Ten years ago, battery EVs seemed far-fetched; today, they are commonplace. Similarly, the coming decade may see a widespread shift toward hydrogen-powered vehicles, especially for applications where batteries fall short.
Universities and innovation institutions must begin preparing for the future today. With that mindset, we at Kathmandu University demonstrated a hydrogen-powered car as a signal of possibility. Among the alternatives to fossil fuels, including coal, diesel, petrol, gas, and batteries, hydrogen stands out due to its high energy efficiency and minimal environmental footprint.
From Nepal’s perspective, the basic resources required to produce hydrogen are in a positive state. Hydrogen is a renewable energy source, and Nepal has sufficient electricity and clean water to produce it. Water can be split into oxygen and hydrogen using electricity, with the hydrogen then stored and used as needed, making it a highly viable option for Nepal.
Recognizing this potential, Kathmandu University initiated hydrogen research at a time when no other university in South Asia had taken such steps. We can proudly say that Kathmandu University’s Green Hydrogen Lab, hydrogen refueling station and the use of a hydrogen-powered car for research are the first of their kind at the university level in South Asia. This marks the beginning of a technology that could significantly contribute to economic transformation starting from KU.
This success also highlights the commercial potential of hydrogen technology in Nepal. KU has not only successfully tested a vehicle unrecognized by law but has also demonstrated its commercial viability. A university’s role is to show the future, but for that vision to become reality, policy support from the government and commercial initiatives from the private sector are essential. We are optimistic about cooperation from both sectors.
Such cooperation is already helping to accelerate the policymaking process. In the last four years, four hydrogen committees have been formed in Nepal, with the most recent being tasked with drafting a hydrogen policy. That policy has already been passed; perhaps one of the fastest-developed policies in Nepal’s history.
However, the infrastructure needed to implement the policy is still lacking. Nepal currently has no hydrogen-related infrastructure, so to move forward with implementation, laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures need to be established, along with a strong organizational framework for commercialization. This requires joint efforts from both the government and the private sector. If these elements are effectively implemented, Nepal’s potential could reach global standards.
The future of hydrogen energy holds immense promise, not just for Nepal, but for the entire Asian continent. Leveraging its abundant clean water and renewable electricity resources, Nepal has the unique potential to become the world’s leading producer of affordable hydrogen. With the right investments in technology and infrastructure, Nepal could position itself at the forefront of the global clean hydrogen energy movement, driving sustainable progress for generations to come.
– Based on remarks by Dr. Thapa, Associate Professor at Kathmandu University, delivered at the “Automotive Conclave 2081” organized by MeroAuto.
