KATHMANDU, APRIL 26

Stakeholders and experts emphasized the need to focus on the production of alternative energy, including hydrogen energy, solar energy, and wind energy, alongside hydroelectricity in Nepal.

During a session on 'Pioneering the Clean Energy Synergy' at the Himalayan Hydro Expo 2024 organized by the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN) in the capital city, they stated that alternative energy is crucial for ensuring energy security in the country.

Hydrogen expert and Professor at Kathmandu University, Biraj Singh Thapa, highlighted that Nepal should prepare for hydrogen energy, as its price is expected to decrease by 62% by 2030. He cited a UK study indicating that Nepal could produce the world's cheapest hydrogen energy through a combination of solar, wind, and hydro power.

Thapa emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and the private sector in this endeavor. He also mentioned ongoing research on using ammonia as a future energy source, conducted in partnership between the Nepal Electricity Authority and Kathmandu University.

IPPAN member Kuber Mani Nepal suggested that solar energy could serve as an alternative to traditional energy sources, constituting 60% of the country's total domestic power consumption. He advocated for a separate policy to address solar energy, as the existing Electricity Bill provides limited guidance on it.

Kushal Gurung, an alternative energy producer, shared his company's experimentation with energy production from organic waste in Pokhara. He noted that Nepal could potentially produce over 2.5 million tonnes of organic fertilizer if 20% of the country's compostable waste was utilized.

At the event, various speakers, including CEO of Simple Energy Apar Neupane, Deputy Director of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre Dr. Laxman Ghimire, and former President of IPPAN Shailendra Guragain, discussed the diverse scopes of alternative energy.