Kathmandu: Experts and stakeholders gathered at the Himalayan Hydro Expo 2024, organized by the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), emphasized the importance of diversifying Nepal's energy production to include hydrogen, solar, and wind energy alongside hydroelectricity.

During a session titled 'Pioneering the Clean Energy Synergy,' participants highlighted the significance of alternative energy sources for ensuring energy security in the country. Professor Biraj Singh Thapa, an expert in hydrogen energy from Kathmandu University, projected a substantial decrease in hydrogen energy prices by 2030, suggesting that Nepal could potentially produce the world's cheapest hydrogen energy.

Dr. Thapa cited a UK study indicating that Nepal's unique blend of solar, wind, and hydro resources could make hydrogen production cost-effective. He called for collaborative efforts between the government and private sector to capitalize on this opportunity, pointing to Kathmandu University's pioneering work with hydrogen vehicles as a promising start.

Kuber Mani Nepal, a member of IPPAN, advocated for solar energy as a viable alternative to traditional power sources, which currently accounts for 60% of Nepal's domestic power consumption. He emphasized the need for a dedicated policy framework to promote solar energy, noting the inadequacies of existing legislation in this regard.

Meanwhile, alternative energy producer Kushal Gurung shared his company's experiments with producing energy from organic waste in Pokhara. He highlighted the potential to generate over 2.5 million tonnes of organic fertilizer annually in Nepal by utilizing just 20% of the country's compostable waste.

Other speakers, including Apar Neupane from Simple Energy, Dr. Laxman Ghimire from the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, and Laxmi Jha from the Ministry of Energy, discussed various opportunities and challenges in the alternative energy sector, underscoring the importance of embracing diverse energy sources for Nepal's sustainable development.