Nepal's First Hydrogen Car and Refueling System Inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has officially launched Nepal's first hydrogen car and refueling system at Kathmandu University in Dhulikhel, Kavre. The inauguration took place on Friday, just before the university's 29th convocation ceremony.
Introduction of Hydrogen Car in Nepal
The hydrogen car, produced by Hyundai in South Korea, was imported to Nepal through a collaboration between Kathmandu University and Nepal Oil Corporation. The vehicle was brought in at a cost of 33,000 USD.
During the inauguration, Prime Minister Oli emphasized the environmental benefits of hydrogen-powered vehicles, particularly their role in reducing carbon emissions and lowering pollution levels.
According to Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), during the convocation ceremony, Prime Minister Oli also inaugurated the hydrogen-powered vehicle, bearing the registration number Ba 1 Jha 1111. The Prime Minister arrived at the event in this very car.
Commendation of Green Hydrogen Initiative
In his speech, Prime Minister Oli commended the university's initiative to establish a green hydrogen production and refueling station. He urged that such innovative efforts should extend beyond Kathmandu University to other regions. As the Chancellor of the university, he recalled that discussions and studies on green hydrogen and wind energy began during his previous term as Prime Minister. He stated, "This is a promising start, and this initiative should be further expanded, especially with a focus on transportation."
Key Insights on the Green Hydrogen Initiative
Associate Professor Biraj Singh Thapa, head of the Nepal Hydrogen Initiatives at Kathmandu University, provided detailed information on the project. He explained that electricity and water are used to produce hydrogen. The university has been engaged in research on green hydrogen fuel production and its applications for the past two years. On Chaitra 19, 2079, the university successfully produced green hydrogen for the first time.
Support and Infrastructure Development
Nepal Oil Corporation has played a crucial role in supporting the university’s hydrogen production and vehicle operation initiatives. With the corporation's assistance, the Hyundai hydrogen car was imported from South Korea in Kartik. Additionally, a hydrogen refueling center was established at the university, with technical support from a Korean hydrogen production company.
The corporation provided NPR 50 million to the university for this project. This funding facilitated the purchase of the hydrogen car for 33,000 USD and the establishment of the refueling center at a cost of NPR 130 million.
Hydrogen Refueling Process
Associate Professor Thapa explained the hydrogen refueling process in detail. The refueling center converts processed water into hydrogen, which is then dried, purified, and stored in low-pressure tanks. The hydrogen is then transferred to high-pressure tanks for refueling vehicles.
The university's hydrogen refueling center, designed for research and testing, has the capacity to produce an average of two kilograms of hydrogen daily. To produce one kilogram of hydrogen, the process requires 10 liters of water and consumes 40 to 45 units of electricity.
Future Plans
The Hyundai hydrogen car at the university can store up to six kilograms of hydrogen, enabling it to travel up to 650 kilometers on a full tank. As part of a pilot project, the university plans to establish a hydrogen refueling center capable of servicing 30 to 35 hydrogen vehicles. This initiative marks Nepal's first effort in producing hydrogen for transportation purposes.
