Abstract Nepal’s projected hydropower spill of 3000 MW by 2030 offers an opportunity to develop hydrogen energy storage systems. Hydropower plants, such as Lower Tadi Khola Hydropower (5 MW), face seasonal energy imbalances, generating 25.13 GWh during the wet season and 9.3 GWh during the dry season. The study proposes a 5 MW hydrogen production plant, 350 tons annually from wet season energy. Stored hydrogen can regenerate approximately 6 GWh of electricity and contribute to nearly 23.2% during the dry season using Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells. It suggests a sustainable alternative, enhancing grid stability and reducing import dependency during the dry season, with significant carbon credit potential, thus supporting Nepal’s Energy Independence goals.
Lama et al. (Fri,) studied this question.