KATHMANDU, JULY 28

The Nepal Forum of Science Journalists (NFSJ) organized the sixth episode of 'Meet The Scientist' in Kathmandu, featuring Dr. Bishnu P. Bastakoti. Dr. Bastakoti, an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at North Carolina A&T State University, discussed the opportunities and challenges of Hydrogen energy in Nepal.

Dr. Bastakoti highlighted hydrogen's potential to significantly reduce global carbon emissions and help create a cleaner, more sustainable future. He emphasized the importance of transitioning from nonrenewable to renewable energy sources, with hydrogen playing a vital role. Based on his lab experience and partnership with the industry, Dr. Bastakoti explained the technical aspect of Hydrogen energy production in plain language. He further explained that renewable hydrogen energy systems depend on resource availability, socioeconomic conditions, geographical location, political systems, and transportation infrastructure.

Hydrogen can be used as fuel and in various industrial processes. It powers fuel cells, engines, and turbines and can be used for energy storage, petroleum recovery, refining, methanol and ammonia production, metal processing, food processing, and cosmetics. ''Nepal could benefit from hydrogen energy due to its abundant water resources, as hydrogen can be produced from tap water,'' Dr. Bastakoti Notes.

Kathmandu University is already researching hydrogen energy, and a hydrogen-powered car has been developed as a result. Dr. Bastakoti suggested more research on hydrogen energy applications in Nepal and explained different types of hydrogen: green hydrogen (produced by electrolysis using renewable energy), blue hydrogen (produced from Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) with carbon capture and storage), brown hydrogen (produced from coal gasification), and grey hydrogen (produced from SMR). He also discussed the hydrogen economy, covering aspects like packaging, compression, liquefaction, hybrid systems, and distribution via pipelines, road, rail, and ship. Hydrogen can be produced from various domestic resources, including natural gas, biomass, and renewable power sources like solar and wind. Dr. Bastakoti concluded by stressing the need for public awareness and government support to commercialize hydrogen energy in Nepal. ''The Nepal government should implement policies to promote the use of hydrogen fuel in cars, buses, and other vehicles. Increased research on hydrogen fuel is essential, and achieving results will require collaboration between the government and other institutions including the private sector,'' Dr. Bastakoti remarks.

The interaction also included contributions from Dr. Ram Lama, a hydrogen energy expert from Kathmandu University; Santosh Mani Nepal, a forestry expert; Krishna Wosti, the former General Secretary of the Nepal Foresters Association; and NFSJ Vice President Madhusudhan Guragain.

The program was moderated by NFSJ Founding President and Program Director Chhatra Karki, with a vote of thanks from President Rajan Pokhrel. The event was supported by the NRNA USA Science and Technology Committee.