Fuelling The Future

Dr Biraj Singh Thapa is a recognised name today in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. An Associate Professor at Kathmandu University and the visionary Team Leader of the Green Hydrogen Lab, Dr Thapa is spearheading cutting-edge research into renewable energy technologies that hold the potential to revolutionise Nepal’s energy future.

Under his leadership, the Green Hydrogen Lab is exploring the transformative potential of green hydrogen; a clean, renewable energy source that could play a pivotal role in addressing both environmental challenges and Nepal’s reliance on imported energy. Dr Thapa’s dedication to combining academic excellence with practical innovation places him at the forefront of Nepal’s renewable energy revolution.

In this edition of Business 360, we take a closer look at Dr Thapa’s journey, his aspirations, the revolutionary research, and the future of green hydrogen in Nepal’s path toward energy independence.

IS NEPAL COMMITTED TO GREEN HYDROGEN ENERGY TRANSITION? CAN GREEN HYDROGEN DECARBONISE ENERGY SYSTEMS? IS IT THE FUTURE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY?

Could you tell us about your life’s early influences? What got you into engineering and pursuing academics and research?

I was born and raised in Biratnagar. My father, a well-known high school teacher of science and mathematics, ignited my interest in these subjects. Witnessing numerous students visit our home for tutoring, I developed a strong affinity for teaching and considered it a fulfilling career path.

After completing my SLC in 1995, I came to Kathmandu University for higher education, where I currently teach. During my Intermediate Science studies, I interacted with engineering students, gaining firsthand insights into the practical applications of engineering principles. I was impressed by their ability to address societal challenges through innovative solutions and the tangible impact of their projects. This exposure solidified my decision to pursue engineering at the Bachelor's level.

Your LinkedIn profile states that your area of specialisation is hydropower and hydrogen. And that you believe that a strategic blend of these two energy sectors can change the future of the South-Asia region, both economically and environmentally. In layman's terms, what does it mean?

From a simple perspective, South Asia is one of the most densely populated regions on earth and heavily reliant on dirty fuels for its economic activities. Approximately 80-85% of the energy consumed by the South Asian population comes from non-renewable sources, primarily fossil fuels. However, this region possesses abundant renewable energy capacity. South Asia's renewable energy potential, particularly from hydropower and solar sources, surpasses its current energy demands. By harnessing the available renewable energy to replace fossil fuels, the region can significantly reduce climate change impacts and foster sustainable economic growth.

The challenge lies in effectively utilising renewable energy for specific applications such as heavy-duty transport and high-grade industrial heat application. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind are abundant, their direct application in these sectors is complex. This is where green hydrogen, a clean fuel produced from renewable energy, emerges as a promising solution. Green hydrogen adds quality, reliability and flexibility to renewable energy and makes it ready for applications in all sectors to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Therefore, integrating renewable energy sources with hydrogen production offers a compelling strategy to address both economic and environmental concerns in South Asia.

Could you tell us about the Green Hydrogen Lab? How was it conceptualised and what is the impact you wish to create?

I completed my master’s and PhD academic training and research in the hydropower sector from Norway. Upon returning to Nepal, I re-joined Kathmandu University with a strong determination to contribute to the country's hydropower development.  This was when the country was experiencing up to 18 hours of load-shedding.

Nepal transitioned from power deficits to surpluses, particularly during the Covid 19 pandemic. Yet, the issue of fossil fuel dependency persisted. This led to the opportunity to replace fossil fuels with surplus renewable energy, specifically hydropower. However, it was not a straightforward solution as Nepal’s hydropower production is seasonal. Recognising the potential of hydrogen as a bridge between intermittent renewable energy sources and various applications, I spent the Covid 19 period conducting extensive research. I saw good possibilities for blending green hydrogen with existing energy systems, particularly in countries like Nepal that lack domestic fossil fuel resources and rely heavily on imports.

To systematically pursue this research, we established the Green Hydrogen Lab with limited initial funding. Through continuous advocacy and fundraising, we have expanded our research capabilities and made significant progress in the past four years. The Green Hydrogen Lab is dedicated to exploring the potential use of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy carrier. Our research focuses on various aspects of hydrogen production, storage, safety and utilisation contributing to the energy transition and green growth in Nepal.

There are many schools of thought regarding climate change and environmental sustainability. A lot of natural catastrophes and climate disasters are a reality today. From being a global political agenda to having disproportionate response and policy action, have we made real progress?  How do you build public and political will for climate change action?

Yes, it is now widely accepted that climate change is primarily human-induced. Until a decade ago, it was often attributed to natural phenomena. However, a growing body of scientific evidence and increasing political consensus have established the human role in driving climate change.

As a result, there is a global political responsibility to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This has led to increased international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, promoting the transition to renewable energy sources, and driving the emergence of the green hydrogen economy.

Nepal, as a developing nation, has also committed to addressing climate change. The country has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 and has signed international agreements like the Paris Agreement to reduce its emissions and promote the use of renewable energy.

Hydrogen offers a promising solution to connect renewable energy sources to various applications and replace fossil fuels. Nepal, with its abundant hydropower resources, is well-positioned to leverage hydrogen technology. By effectively communicating the benefits of hydrogen and garnering support from both the public and policymakers, Nepal can play a significant role in the global transition to a sustainable future.

On the policy side of things, what are some things that the government can do to make this energy transition a reality? How can the investment be secured in context of Nepal?

That has been a perennial challenge in Nepal. The government often reacts quickly to situations, making commitments and formulating plans and policies. However, we often lack strategic vision, roadmaps and implementation plans to effectively execute these initiatives.

We successfully advocated for and achieved the approval of the Nepal Green Hydrogen Policy-2024 within one year. However, implementing this policy requires various supporting elements, including legislative rules and regulations, institutional setups and work directives to put the policy into application. I believe that the growing public and business interest in the green hydrogen economy, coupled with global pressure to transition away from fossil fuels, will likely motivate the government to formulate the necessary intuitional setup, regulatory framework and guidelines to execute the vision outlined in the Nepal Green Hydrogen Policy. Nepal needs to attract ESG and Green funds to make the energy transition a reality. The government should initiate some pilot projects within a Public-Private Partnership model. This motivates the business sectors to step into commercial projects, gives confidence to international investors, and attracts ESG and Green funds to develop large-scale projects.

Nepal’s hydropower production is seasonal. Recognising the potential of hydrogen as a bridge between intermittent renewable energy sources and various applications, I spent the Covid 19 period conducting extensive research. I saw good possibilities for blending green hydrogen with existing energy systems, particularly in countries like Nepal that lack domestic fossil fuel resources and rely heavily on imports.

In your research here, who or what is the market for green hydrogen energy adoption? Who is the target user in the initial stages? When will business models with hydrogen emerge?

The current market is driven by fossil fuels, which are undeniably the cheapest energy source, but are also the most environmentally damaging. Recognising the devastating impact of climate change, driven largely by fossil fuel emissions, global political leaders are motivated to transition to cleaner and more sustainable alternatives. This shift has already led to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and could pave the way for hydrogen-powered vehicles in the near future.

Electric vehicles are well-suited for light-duty vehicles and shorter distances, whereas hydrogen-powered vehicles offer a more viable solution for heavy-duty applications, especially in challenging terrains like Nepal. Both EVs and hydrogen vehicles will likely coexist, and complement one another much like the current petrol and diesel paradigm.

While hydrogen for transportation is a promising niche, it is important to recognise its broader applications. Hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in various sectors, such as cement production, fertiliser production, industrial heat and process applications, and emergency power generation.

Hydrogen technology is rapidly evolving and ongoing innovations are expected to reduce production costs, and expand the areas of application to replace fossil fuels in all the applications where renewable energy is not capable of being used directly.  As technology continues to advance and policies support the development of hydrogen infrastructure, we anticipate that hydrogen will play a significant role in the future of energy transition and green growth.

At present, we are only now enjoying uninterrupted electricity supply in the capital but many parts of Nepal are yet to initiate the energy transition in commercial and industrial sectors. What are the immediate measures that the government needs to take to address this situation?

First and foremost, we need a robust institutional framework. Currently, the responsibility for energy transition is fragmented across various ministries, including Forestry and Environment, Energy, Finance, and Law and Justice. This fragmentation hampers the coordination and effectiveness of energy transition efforts, such as the adoption of hydrogen. Establishing a dedicated and empowered institution to oversee and drive these initiatives is, hence, critical.

Such an institution would be responsible for formulating comprehensive plans, executing strategies, and implementing policies to facilitate energy transition. The economic implications of this transition are immense, particularly the opportunity to significantly reduce fossil fuel imports, which currently cost Nepal over Rs 300 billion annually. A strong institutional setup would ensure that these potential benefits are fully realised.

In addition to institutional reform, a well-defined regulatory framework is imperative to guide the implementation of energy transition initiatives. This framework should include clear guidelines for promoting hydrogen adoption in the transportation sector, encompassing areas like vehicle registration, taxation and customs clearance procedures.

Currently, while national policies acknowledge the importance of hydrogen, they lack the necessary work directives and specific regulations for practical implementation. To bridge this gap, the proposed institutional framework should develop detailed guidelines and regulations to facilitate energy transition and ensure smooth implementation.

Which countries are leading hydrogen technology and development?

While Nepal has made significant strides in recognising the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy solution, countries like India have taken more decisive and rapid actions. India has established dedicated ministries and agencies to oversee green hydrogen initiatives, developed comprehensive roadmaps and policies, and allocated substantial funding for hydrogen projects. This has enabled India to attract significant investments and foster a robust hydrogen ecosystem. In fact, India has announced a trillion-dollar programme called National Green Hydrogen Mission to help India achieve energy independence by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

Moreover, countries like the United States, China, Japan and South Korea have also made significant progress in hydrogen technology development and deployment. They have implemented supportive policies, provided incentives, and invested heavily in research and development. For instance, these countries have introduced various incentives to promote hydrogen vehicles, including tax breaks, free refuelling and parking privileges.

Nepal can learn from these global examples and collaborate with neighbouring countries, particularly India. Given the shared river systems and strong bilateral ties, Nepal and India can work together to develop a regional hydrogen economy. Nepal can leverage its abundant hydropower resources to produce green hydrogen, while India can provide the market and technological expertise.

By collaborating on hydrogen projects, Nepal and India can not only address their domestic energy needs but also contribute to the global clean energy transition. Such By collaborating on hydrogen projects, Nepal and India can not only address their domestic energy needs but also contribute to the global clean energy transition. Such regional cooperation can help accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure, reduce costs and create new economic opportunities.

By collaborating on hydrogen projects, Nepal and India can not only address their domestic energy needs but also contribute to the global clean energy transition. Such regional cooperation can help accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure, reduce costs and create new economic opportunities.

There is something called a hydrogen colour spectrum. Could you tell us a little about that, and is that part of the research you do at KU?

To differentiate between hydrogen produced from various sources, a colour-coding system is used. The hydrogen colour spectrum classifies hydrogen based on its production method and environmental impact.

Hydrogen, the lightest and most energy-dense element on Earth, has been known for over 250 years and has been used in industries for centuries. Historically, the primary source of hydrogen production has been fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas. This process, which involves breaking down fossil fuels into hydrogen and carbon elements, releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere causing adverse effects on the environment.

Hydrogen produced from fossil fuels without capturing carbon dioxide emissions, making it highly polluting, is classified as black or grey hydrogen. Blue hydrogen, while still derived from fossil fuels, incorporates carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to reduce emissions.

Green hydrogen, on the other hand, is produced through electrolysis, using renewable energy sources like solar, wind or hydropower. This process splits water into hydrogen and oxygen without emitting greenhouse gases, making it the cleanest process of hydrogen production.

Although black and grey hydrogen are relatively inexpensive, their environmental costs are significant. Blue hydrogen offers a cleaner alternative but still relies on fossil fuels and CCS technology, which can be energy-intensive and costly. Green hydrogen, with its zero emission production process, holds immense promise as the world transitions to a low-carbon economy. It is particularly valuable for decarbonising various sectors, including transportation, industry and energy storage.

At Kathmandu University, much of our research focuses on advancing technologies related to green hydrogen, the cleanest form of hydrogen.

Nepal has yet to harness to good potential its hydropower, solar or wind energy, what is the priority being given to green hydrogen, and will this attention sustain in the years to come even at global levels as things on the renewable energy R&D evolve?

While the market is increasingly recognising the potential of green hydrogen and its various applications, the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives requires significant investment and technological advancements. The traditional business model, driven by profit incentives and market demand, may not be sufficient to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen. To overcome this challenge, a collaborative approach involving both the public and private sectors is essential.

Government intervention is crucial to bridge the economic gap between fossil fuels and green hydrogen. By providing financial incentives, such as subsidies, tax breaks and access to climate funds, governments can make green hydrogen projects more economically viable. Additionally, creating supportive policies and regulations can foster a conducive environment for investment and innovation.

Public-private partnerships can play a vital role in driving the adoption of green hydrogen. By combining the financial resources and technological expertise of the private sector with the policy-making and regulatory powers of the government, PPPs can accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure and promote its utilisation.

For academic institutions like universities, the focus should be on research, innovation and human resource development. By generating new knowledge, training skilled professionals and collaborating with industry partners, universities can contribute to the advancement of hydrogen technology and its commercialisation. While financial constraints may limit the direct involvement of universities in large-scale projects, their role in creating a skilled workforce and fostering a culture of innovation is indispensable.

While hydrogen has undoubtedly gained significant attention in recent years, it is important to consider the broader context of global energy challenges. The increasing focus on hydrogen can be attributed to its potential to mitigate climate change, enhance energy security and stimulate economic growth.

What are some key challenges for you in your work here? And what are some things that you think have been done really well?

The primary challenge we face is securing funding for research and development. To drive innovation, develop human capital and advance technological solutions, we need adequate resources. Convincing the government and other stakeholders to invest in such research is often a daunting task.

Another significant challenge is bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. The private sector is hesitant to invest in emerging technologies like hydrogen due to the lack of a conducive business environment and clear regulatory frameworks. Similarly, government agencies may lack the expertise and resources to effectively facilitate the transition to a hydrogen economy.

Navigating these challenges requires persistent advocacy and collaboration. We must continue to educate stakeholders about the potential benefits of hydrogen, address their concerns and work towards creating a supportive policy environment. By fostering strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, we can unlock the economic and social potential of hydrogen and ensure a sustainable future for our country.

Anything else you would like our readers to know?

While hydrogen has undoubtedly gained significant attention in recent years, it is important to consider the broader context of global energy challenges. The increasing focus on hydrogen can be attributed to its potential to mitigate climate change, enhance energy security and stimulate economic growth. By diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, hydrogen can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. However, it is essential to maintain a balanced approach and invest in a variety of technologies to ensure a sustainable future.

To fully realise the potential of hydrogen, we must foster interdisciplinary research, support emerging technologies, collaborate internationally and educate the public. By doing so, we can accelerate the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies, while also addressing other critical issues such as climate change, poverty and inequality.

However, it is important to recognise that hydrogen is not a silver bullet solution. While it offers significant potential, it also presents challenges, such as the high cost of production, storage and transportation. To overcome these challenges, continued investment in research and development is essential. Additionally, policies and regulations that support the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies are crucial.

By striking a balance between investing in hydrogen and other clean energy technologies, we can create a more sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem in Nepal.