Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The government has sought suggestions for making necessary policy arrangement for the safe, sustainable and effective development, operation and regulation of hydrogen-based vehicles.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has sought suggestions on preparing international best practices, regulatory arrangements, safety standards and guidelines, possibilities of transformation in hydrogen technology and necessary human resources development with an objective of preparing the legal and technical base.

Universities, research institutes, professional bodies, industries, development partners, international organizations and related stakeholders can give suggestions. Similarly, written suggestions can be given on the basis of one’s experience, study, research and practical practice.

The Ministry has urged the stakeholders to present international best practices and learnings related to hydrogen-based vehicles. Policy, legal and regulatory provisions, safety standards and guidelines related to product storage, transportation, distribution, fuel filling infrastructure and vehicle operation can be provided.

The ministry has requested the stakeholders to furnish recommendations on the possibilities of converting existing vehicles to hydrogen technology, technical necessity, cost, safety and regulatory aspects.

Likewise, technical human resources, regulatory bodies, rescue and emergency services can be made available for capacity building and manpower development.

The Ministry has clarified that the suggestions to be received from the Ministry would be used in the formulation of policy, legal provisions, standards and working procedures related to hydrogen-based vehicles after necessary study and analysis. The Ministry of Infrastructure is expecting necessary suggestions by August 20.

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation had prepared the Green Hydrogen Policy in 2080 BS. Kathmandu University has been carrying out study on the need and possibility of Green Hydrogen Laboratory since 2077 BS.

Point no 257 of the budget statement for the fiscal year 2079/80 had mentioned that necessary activities would be initiated for the commercial use of hydrogen energy so that it could contribute to the overall development of fuel and energy consumption and transport and industrial sector of Nepal.

Point No. 36 of the budget statement included the provision of taking forward work through the Investment Board to establish a chemical fertilizer factory using green hydrogen and green ammonia technology. On the basis of this provision, the Ministry of Energy had prepared the Green Hydrogen Policy.