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Development discourse

Everyone aspires to live a happier and more fulfilling life. Physical, financial, social, cultural, spiritual needs, among others, should be met to achieve these goals. One of the main bases for measuring how developed a country is the quality of life (QoL) of its citizens. But, QoL is complex and encompasses a range of factors, such as personal well-being, health, education, environment, and economic stability. Actually, a person’s physical, mental and spiritual well-being, relationships, education, employment status, social standing, money, sense of security and safety, freedom, decision-making autonomy, social belonging, and physical surroundings are all common aspects of quality of life.

The elements impacting QoL change as societies do, thus it's critical to continuously evaluate and redefine what a good life is. 

According to Charles Kennedy, ‘Quality of life actually begins at home—it’s in your street, around your community’. It is essential to consider the state of the human development index in order to live a quality life. Education, health, employment, per capita income and average income are some of the indicators of the quality of life. The human development index is based on similar factors, such as the satisfaction of fundamental needs and the dependability of security. “The reason I exercise is for the quality of life I enjoy” is the voice of Kenneth H Cooper. In this way, if a citizen starts living happily, he will definitely become creative. This is why the country will not be built until the citizens become creative.

This article delves into the key elements of quality of life, examining recent trends and the current state of affairs globally, 

Physical and mental welfare

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a condition of whole physical, mental, and social well-being as opposed to only the absence of sickness. A person’s capacity to lead a satisfying life is directly impacted by their state of health, which is the foundation of quality life. Additionally, mental health is being acknowledged as a vital aspect of quality of life.

Learning and lifelong acquiring

Education is essential for both sustainable development and the fight against poverty, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Why? Because education is a powerful driver of QoL that opens the door for better job opportunities, enhancing social mobility, and fostering personal growth. The brilliant light of education is a vital component for each and every person as well as family. This enables someone to act honorably, sensibly, and well. It contributes to raising families’ and individuals’ standards of living. In today’s world of rapid change, acquiring new skills, adjusting to a changing job market and engaging in lifelong learning are becoming increasingly crucial.

Employment and economic stability

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), high unemployment rates have a negative effect on QoL, since it can cause stress on one's finances, social isolation and worsen mental health. The key factors influencing QoL are employment security and economic stability. Even if there is a key factor, in the context of Nepal, due to the Covid-19 and the subsequent global economic recession, this problem is especially affecting the youth. However, the government has not taken any concrete initiative. Having a steady income makes it possible for people to pay for needs like housing, healthcare and education, which enhances their quality of life overall.

Quality of environment

Leo Tolstoy states, “One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.” 

The environment plays a significant role in shaping QoL. Greenery, fresh air and water are beneficial for both mental and physical wellness. Climate change and environmental degradation pose serious dangers to quality of life, affecting communities all over the world through pollution, bad weather and biodiversity loss. Maintaining a good standard of living for future generations requires sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Social networks and community

One of the longest-running studies on happiness, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, discovered that strong relationships play a critical role in preserving one's physical and emotional well-being throughout life. A sense of belonging and involvement in community events support both social well-being and individual fulfillment. Strong, enduring bonds with friends and family boost life satisfaction and offer emotional support. Within a community, social trust and relationship networks promote collaboration and assistance among members.

In the case of Nepal, untouchability, blind faith and several other unscientific practices are destroying people’s quality of life. Beliefs that harm girls’ self-esteem and character development include elevating boys above other family members, viewing powerful families as having many sons, and claiming that if you don't have a son, you won’t enter paradise. In the same vein, celebrations that involve heavy drinking, feasting, dowries, witchcraft, etc, lower the standard of living. A regular supply of nutritious and balanced food is essential for a quality life.

According to the 2023-24 report titled ‘Ending the Deadlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World’ published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Nepal’s Human Development Index (HDI) value has reached 0.601. Nepal stands in 146th position out of 193 countries covered against 149th position in 2021. Nepal’s HDI has increased by 0.010 since 2021. which is greater than the 0.004 global average index. Nepal falls in the medium human development category. A human development index value in the range of 0.550-0.699 is classified as being in the medium category. The research indicates that Nepal’s gross national income (GNI) per capita has varied by approximately 165.7 percent between 1990 and 2022.

“The Nepal Human Development Report 2020: Beyond Graduation: Productive Transformation and Prosperity” comes in the context of the upcoming graduation of Nepal from the least developed country category. Nepal has been committed to attaining a smooth, sustainable, meaningful and irreversible graduation, recognizing that for more inclusive development, it is important to look beyond the economic yardsticks and toward more ingrained social and environmental factors of development,” Prof Puspa Raj Kadel, former vice-chair, National Planning Commission, wrote at Nepal Human Development Report 2020. According to a UNDP report, nine out of every 10 citizens around the world support democracy. More than half of the people surveyed said they had no or limited control over their lives. Prof Kadel said that the contradictions that have appeared in global democracy are hindering collective action.

Conclusion

The concept of quality of life is a complex, dynamic concept, shaped by a multitude of interconnected elements. An individual’s well-being is greatly influenced by their social networks, schooling, health, and environmental conditions. Reducing inequalities and guaranteeing that everyone has the chance to live happy, healthy and successful lives are critical as societies develop further. 

Moshe Feldenkrais says, “Movement is life. Life is a process. Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself.” 

Let’s wrap up this quote with another quote from Feldenkrais: Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself.

American democracy, while not perfect, is widely regarded as the most transparent and vibrant in the world, praised globally for its democratic process and the rule of law. The democratic process in the US is consistently practiced from the local level to the federal government, instilling faith in the Constitution and the governmental institutions. However, political polarization has significantly increased. Since the 2016 presidential election, US democracy has faced numerous challenges in maintaining public trust. 

The recent announcement that President Joe Biden will not seek reelection and has endorsed Vice-president (VP) Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate has introduced a new political dynamic. Many Democrats and American voters praised President Biden’s decision to endorse Kamala Harris as the next Democratic presidential nominee. However, some within the new Republican political spectrum are skeptical. Trump Republicans criticize her as a radical leftist and an incompetent candidate for the US presidency.

Despite the political blame-game surrounding the election campaign, US democracy remains strong and continues to prove the nation as a land of opportunities. As the world watches Kamala Harris as the presumed Democratic candidate for the upcoming presidential election, analysts believe that US democracy is still robust and functioning well. Nothing is impossible in America, a country that values the core principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, fair and free elections, separation of powers, and civil participation. VP Harris, the daughter of immigrant parents, becoming the presumed Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election, exemplifies the power of democracy.

America has never elected a woman president, but Kamala Harris, who holds the second-highest office in the land, is on the path to potentially achieving this milestone. Despite many developed and developing countries already having women leaders, Americans have hesitated to elect a woman president. If Harris becomes the Democratic nominee and wins the election, she will make history as the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to serve as US president. However, her path to victory is challenging, and she may face significant obstacles in her campaign.

America remains a patriarchal society, with people often having less trust in women leaders, perceiving them as weaker. During the 2016 election campaign, Donald Trump criticized his opponent, Hillary Clinton, calling her a weaker leader and stating that she should not be the commander-in-chief of the military. This type of misogynistic thinking plays a significant role in US politics and society. Data suggest that the US lags behind many of its allies regarding the gender pay gap. According to Pew Research, women earned, on average, 82 cents for every dollar earned by a man in 2022. Additionally, the US Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v Wade has made abortion access more difficult for women. These examples demonstrate that America continues to practice patriarchy, and gender equality is neither a linear process nor a guaranteed outcome in the US

Misinformation and propaganda campaigns have played a huge role in recent elections in the United States. Trump has a proven record of spreading misinformation among far-right activists and his nationalist base. He attacks everyone who opposes his views with hate, bullying, and authoritative language. He attacked Barack Obama stating that he was not a US-born citizen, and he already started intimidating VP Harris with a similar tone. He focused on personal attacks rather than policy agendas in his election campaign, which disregards democratic values, integrity and moral perspectives. Media and online social platforms make it easy to spread false information and there is no control mechanism over it. When leaders fail to demonstrate integrity and moral values, their followers may choose a similar shallow path. Despite this, VP Harries has strong support from the educated and young enthusiastic voters, which is a plus for her in this election. 

In her book, former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney expressed concern over the Republican Party’s shift from traditional conservatism to a more populist and nationalist agenda. She was particularly disturbed by Trump's endorsement of conspiracy theories, his assaults on US institutions, and his neglect of democratic principles. Cheney argued that Trump’s leadership represented a significant danger to American democracy. An increasing number of Republican leaders are distancing themselves from the party due to Trump’s vision, which they believe undermines democratic values and threatens American democracy. 

In recent years, members of both the Democratic and Republican parties have shifted to more extreme positions on certain issues. While the Democratic Party has demonstrated its ability to unite despite internal divisions, the Republican Party has struggled to find common ground and has become increasingly fractured. Trump will undoubtedly launch personal attacks on VP Harris during the election campaign, but Democratic leaders appear united in their support for her as they aim to win the battle. 

A 2023 Pew Research survey revealed that 60 percent of Americans often feel exhausted when thinking about politics, while 55 percent frequently feel angry. Only 10 percent of respondents often feel hopeful about politics, and fewer than four percent feel excited. Many voters are discontented with politics and political leaders due to the blame-game and perceived lack of integrity. However, American political and governmental institutions remain strong, enabling them to perform their duties with less fear compared to other countries. Despite political divisions, US democracy remains robust and capable of upholding democratic values for its people, thanks to these resilient institutions.

The upcoming American presidential election is drawing significant global attention, not only due to intense political conflict within the US but also because of escalating tensions between various nations. The American presidency can greatly influence the Israeli war in Gaza, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the shifting power dynamics between the United States and China. To navigate these changes in the world order and maintain geopolitical hegemony, the US must continue to stand by its global allies. President Biden’s willingness to step down from political power and promote the democratic process exemplifies American democratic values. However, selecting the right leader for the White House is a crucial decision that will be made in the upcoming election.

While American democracy faces significant challenges, including political polarization, misinformation, and enduring gender inequality, it remains a robust and resilient system. The potential presidential run of Kamala Harris highlights both the progress and the ongoing struggles within this democracy. Harris’s candidacy is historic, and despite the obstacles she faces, her strong support from young and educated voters underscores the dynamic nature of American politics. As the world watches the upcoming election, the United States continues to demonstrate its commitment to democratic values and the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of choosing a leader capable of navigating both domestic and global challenges.

Views are personal

All psyched up, Raju and I left Besisahar the following day in the morning—our mountain bikes were well-dialed in Kathmandu. The challenge had ultimately begun for our bid to accomplish the Annapurna Circuit. 

For my partner, Raju, at age 35, it appeared it would not be much of a sweat. But the thought I was daring the Annapurna Circuit at age 70 kept wriggling like a worm in my head—a daunting prospect.  

Following a hearty breakfast and a once-over of our bicycles, we left Besisahar. Raju appeared excitedly bursting at the seams. So was I—a little apprehensive, though. Both of us were first-timers in the Lamjung district. Our itinerary for the day was Syange, some 30-plus km away. 

Given Beshisahar's low elevation (760m), the weather was warm and the sun bright. Surprisingly, after barely pedaling an hour, the hubbub of the city receded into thin habitation. Soon, we were feasting our eyes on a laid back rustic countryside. The Marsyangdi River, we never lost sight of, did one better to steal our hearts.

River Marshyangdi (translating to a raging river) drains high up in the glaciers of the northwest face of the Annapurna massif and Manaslu Himalayan range. It is further fed by glacial runoff from the Larkya Himalayan sub-range; seasonal and perennial springs further feed the flow, turning the river bigger and fiercer, churning and crashing over huge rocks and boulders.

The river works eastward across the Manang Valley and then steers southward into the Lamjung district. It travels further across the Lamjung district to end its long journey to tumble into the Trishuli River at Mugling, where a horde of tributaries joins in on the way. 

With class 4 to 5 rapids, Marsyangdi River is one of the world's top-notch rivers for white-water rafting, offering a mind-blowing, white-knuckled two-day ride from the put-in point at Nagadi to Beshisahar. 

Contrary to our expectations, the dirt road until Khudi proved a breeze, with mild ascents and not so gravelly. The first thing that struck us at Khudi was a portal opening on the face of a hill—a tunnel built by the Upper Marsyangdi hydro-power project in 2019, measuring 296 m lengthwise. 

The motor passage was wide enough for two vehicles to drive past. Amusingly, we had to switch on our bicycle light as it was pitch dark within—an interruption in the power supply, we figured. Fascinated, we pedaled across the dark, oddly wet passage, dodging small puddles. On closer look, we noticed oozing from the ceiling and the concrete wall of the tunnel. 

The weather remained clear, and the sky was indigo; Marshyangdi appeared almost neck to neck with the road. “Hell, look at the road, uncle,” Raju called out. After Khudi, the road in one section was a complete mess with mud and slush as far as our eyes traveled. Pedaling across that stretch seemed impossible, and we resorted to walking our bikes, trying not to muck our shoes in the ankle-deep mud.

The weather remained warm for the fall season as the elevation gain was piddling when we arrived at Bhulbhule (840 meters). Given the low elevation, the tropical riverine vegetation and moist and dry deciduous scrub forest with Sal (Shorea robusta), Banjh (oak), and Sano pangro (elm), to name a few, looked lush and flourishing on the way. 

Although on the go, we could not help but stop at Bhulbhule as we caught sight of a massive waterfall. It dropped from a towering forested hill, crashing at the base with a loud boom. When we approached closer to take snaps, we could feel almost 25 feet away, our faces sprayed by a fine cloud of mist. “Wow,” said Raju, relentlessly clicking at his cell phone camera.

We kept pedaling along the quiet, unsullied countryside, the road almost deserted save for a few passing motorbikes and a couple of jeeps. The greenery appeared ubiquitous, punctuated by small pockets of settlements, farmlands, and verdant forests dotting the hills.

The recent post-Dashain rains, floods, and landslips in Lamjung and Manang had left tell-tale scars on the landscape—mounds of debris and rocks lay piled up by the roadside. 

With the bounding Marshyangdi to our left, we stopped at Nagadi (930 meters), a decent-looking town with teahouses and lodges flanking the road. We hit the road after a brief rest, a cup of tea, and light refreshment. 

After Nagadi, the elevation gradually rose, and we had to huff it up several steep climbs. At Dobhantar, we were in for a stunning view. We crossed a bridge over a turquoise reservoir while densely forested hills stood on both sides—nothing short of picture-perfect.  

At Ghermu, Shildhunga, we stopped to stretch our tired limbs and sip water from our bottles. At that moment, our ears caught the sound of crashing water nearby. Within minutes, we were gawking at another waterfall that barreled down from the crest of a hill. 

Bahundanda village could be sighted across the Marshyangdi, snugly hugging the hill of a brow with terraces of rice fields cascading down to the river bank. We learned the trekking trails from Besisahar to Manang cut across many villages of Lamjung but intermittently blended with the road after it opened a few years back. 

We ran past miniature waterfalls by the dozen on the way but soon lost count of them. The going so far seemed moderately challenging for me, but there was nothing to fret about much. I often needed to catch up with Raju on uphills, who waited on me coolly. Great guy! 

It almost felt like an eternity before we finally arrived at Syange (1,100 meters), our destination for the day, relieved, spent, and starving. We had to kick our heels for our cherished dal-bhat as we had arrived past lunchtime, about three in the afternoon. And all that time, my stomach groaned in protest. 

But to our surprise, the only occupant, a lady, rustled up our food within barely half an hour. We ate like pigs, no kidding. The lady owner, Ghale Gurung, suggested we visit a nearby waterfall, Syange's Pride.  

After heaving up a spiraling flight of narrow, crude stone steps for 15 minutes, we arrived at the spot. The dizzying height was scary as some sections did not have railings with steep drops hundreds of feet below. 

Whoa! It was another massive sight. The force of the drop from the soaring height was so ferocious that a fine spray of water virtually drenched us. Mesmerized, we stayed quite some time at the top, marveling about nature's unbounded bounty before retreating to the lodge. 

After a satisfying supper of egg veg noodles, we retired for the night early as we had to make it to Dharapani the next day. 

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Climate change, fueled by our relentless pursuit of prosperity and industrial development, demands our immediate attention and action. The alarming rate of unanticipated environmental disasters in recent years and projections of natural calamities induced by climate change pose a serious threat to the entire ecological system. In recent times, climate change, the greenhouse effect, and carbon emissions have become hot topics worldwide. To tackle the problem of global greenhouse gas emissions, the world has collectively decided to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This monumental decision, aimed at reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, represents the most significant global commitment humanity has ever made. Since over 73 percent of global emissions stem from energy-related activities, industries like transportation, iron and steel production, and cement manufacturing contribute significantly to global emissions.  The challenge before us is clear: How do we continue to develop without further harming our planet? The answer lies in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. We are fortunate to have abundant renewable resources like solar, wind and hydropower. However, integrating these renewable energies into our daily lives and industries requires innovation and commitment.

This is where hydrogen energy comes into play. Hydrogen, produced by breaking down water using renewable energy, can revolutionize our energy systems. It has the potential to produce electricity, power vehicles, create synthetic fuels, and support industrial processes like ammonia production and metal refining. Hydrogen can decarbonize our economy by reducing emissions across various sectors, from transportation to heavy industry. Hydrogen being the most abundant chemical element, estimated to contribute 75 percent of the mass of the universe, possesses significant energy values, with a lower heating value (LHV) of 120 MJ/kg and a higher heating value (HHV) of 142 MJ/kg. The energy density of hydrogen gas at 0°C and 1 atm is 0.01079 MJ/L, whereas in its liquid form at -253°C, it has an energy density of 8.5 MJ/L.

Types of hydrogen

There are different types of hydrogen, each with its advantages and challenges:

Gray hydrogen: Produced from natural gas or methane using a steam methane reforming (SMR) process without capturing the carbon emitted in the process. For every kilogram of hydrogen produced using SMR, around 9-12 kilograms of CO2 is emitted.

Blue hydrogen: Similar to gray hydrogen but includes carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Green hydrogen: Produced using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, through electrolysis.

Other types include:

Turquoise hydrogen: Produced using methane pyrolysis.

Yellow hydrogen: Produced using electrolysis powered by solar energy.

Pink hydrogen: Produced using electrolysis powered by nuclear energy.

Black hydrogen: Produced using coal gasification.

Green hydrogen is the most sustainable source of hydrogen. Though the production process is currently more expensive than gray or blue hydrogen, it requires significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure. It is estimated that producing 1 kg of hydrogen costs around $8-10, consuming 55 kWh of electricity and nine liters of water. With technological advancements, the hydrogen production cost is expected to fall to $1 per kg by 2030. Nepal, with its vast hydropower potential, has a golden opportunity to produce green hydrogen cost-effectively. There are different types of hydrogen available, each with its advantages and challenges.

Key equipment

The most crucial equipment in the green hydrogen technology value chain are electrolyzers and fuel cells, which encompass the major portion of the capital.

Electrolyzers: Devices that use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Types include Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), Alkaline, and Solid Oxide Electrolyzers. The efficiency of an Alkaline electrolyzer ranges from 50-70 percent, PEM is about 70-80 percent, and SOE is 80-90 percent.

Fuel cells: Electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity. Common types include PEM fuel cells, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) and Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFCs).

Hydro tech: Global scenarios

Globally, scientists, researchers and industries are embracing hydrogen as a solution. Countries like the UK, Norway and Sri Lanka have developed national hydrogen roadmaps. Major oil-producing countries are investing heavily in hydrogen production, aiming to transition their economies away from fossil fuels. For example, India has launched a National Hydrogen Mission to achieve energy independence and reduce its carbon footprint.

According to various reports, global investments in hydrogen technology are projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars by 2030. The US Department of Energy (DOE) has outlined the US National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap (2023), aiming to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen to $2/kg by 2025 and $1/kg by 2030. On 5 Nov 2021, the US House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIB), which includes $9.5bn in support for hydrogen, with $8bn allocated to establish seven regional hydrogen hubs.

The European Union alone has committed around $550bn by 2050 in hydrogen technologies as part of its Green Deal. The EU’s Hydrogen Strategy aims to install at least 40 GW of renewable hydrogen electrolyzers by 2030. The Chinese central government has set ambitious targets, including a production target of 100,000 to 200,000 tons of renewable hydrogen per year by 2025, and 10m tons by 2030, with an additional 10m tons imported. Its 14th Five-Year Plan emphasizes the development of hydrogen energy, with goals to deploy 50,000 fuel cell vehicles and establish 1,000 hydrogen refueling stations by 2025.

Japan has adopted a Basic Hydrogen Strategy, aiming to establish a hydrogen society by 2050. The country has set targets to deploy 200,000 fuel cell vehicles and 320 hydrogen refueling stations by 2025. Meanwhile, India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission on 4 Jan 2023, positioning the country as a major hub for hydrogen production, export and manufacturing. The central government has authorized a budget of InRs 197.44bn for this mission.

Saudi Arabia is also making significant strides with its National Hydrogen Strategy, developing a $5bn green hydrogen plant in the city of Neom. This project, one of the world’s largest green hydrogen initiatives, aims to produce 650 tons of green hydrogen daily by 2025 using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

Oman is actively engaged in hydrogen technology through its Hydrom project. The country has awarded $11bn to two new green hydrogen projects, aiming to bring the total hydrogen production in Oman to 1.38m tons per year by 2030.

These global efforts underscore the growing commitment to hydrogen technology as a key component in the transition to renewable energy and the reduction of carbon emissions worldwide.

Nepal’s green hydrogen journey

Nepal is uniquely positioned to become a leader in hydrogen energy. Our abundant hydropower resources provide us with the capacity to produce some of the world's cheapest hydrogen. With glacial meltwater and high hydropower potential, we can leverage these resources to transition toward a green hydrogen economy.

Nepal joined this journey in 2008 when Tribhuvan University and Western Michigan University jointly performed an official study on Hydropower to Hydrogen energy in Nepal. Later, in 2020, the Green Hydrogen Lab was established at Kathmandu University under the vision of Prof Dr Bhola Thapa and the leadership of Dr Biraj Singh Thapa. Since then, Green Hydrogen Lab has launched the Nepal Hydrogen Initiative (NHI) and has been actively performing research on Hydrogen Production, storage and end-use. Notable projects include Nepal’s first hydrogen refueling station and feasibility studies for green urea production. Besides this, the lab is currently working on different application areas in the green hydrogen value chain such as Synthetic Natural Gas, Green Steel and Cement Production, Heavy Vehicles, Ammonia and Urea Production, Wet to dry season energy variation balance, etc. The team is committed to innovative research in collaboration with various Norwegian, German and US-based universities. Currently, 22 researchers are working in the research laboratory on various topics out of which five are PhD candidates and three are Master by Research Candidates.

Nepal has significant potential for hydrogen usage in transportation, mining and steel production, urea and ammonia production, and addressing seasonal energy variation. Recognizing this potential, a business concept called Hydrogen Hubs in Nepal has been developed. This concept outlines the methods through which Nepal can engage in hydrogen business with its neighboring countries.

The efforts of the Green Hydrogen Lab team were instrumental in drafting the Green Hydrogen Policy for Nepal. As a result, the Government of Nepal approved the ‘Nepal Green Hydrogen Policy 2024’. This landmark policy has opened the door for hydrogen research and investment, motivating stakeholders actively engaged in this field.

Prospects and challenges

With immense hydropower potential estimated at around 43,000 MW, Nepal stands on the brink of a significant opportunity in green hydrogen technology. In the next decade, the country aims to generate 28,500 MW of electricity. Despite this abundance of renewable possibilities, only a little more than 5 or six percent of Nepal’s primary energy supply comes from electricity, while more than 90 percent is non-electricity based. Our reliance on coal and fossil fuels is increasing, highlighting the urgent need for a shift to renewables. Currently, Nepal’s installed capacity exceeds 3,300 MW, surpassing domestic consumption and highlighting the need for hydrogen as an energy carrier to balance the country’s energy scenario and replace fossil fuels. Nepal’s annual demand for urea is estimated at 800,000 MT, and the country imports fossil fuels worth over Rs 300bn. Green hydrogen has the potential to replace this consumption, filling the current energy gap.

The recent approval of the Nepal Green Hydrogen Policy 2024 has paved the way for further research and development in green hydrogen, harnessing Nepal’s potential in this field. The journey toward a hydrogen economy will require more political commitment, strategic investments, and international collaboration. Joint efforts from academia, government and industry are essential to develop these prospects into business opportunities, enabling energy trade with neighboring countries like India and China. This will not only enhance Nepal’s economy and generate employment opportunities but also move the country toward energy balance and independence.