Kathmandu University Partners HIDCL For Renewable Energy & Hydrogen Research

21st September 2026, Kathmandu

Bridging Academia and Industry: Kathmandu University and HIDCL Forge Strategic Partnership for Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Research.

Kathmandu University Partners HIDCL

In a decisive step toward sustainable energy development, Kathmandu University (KU) and the Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company Ltd. (HIDCL) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The agreement establishes a robust five-year framework designed to accelerate cooperation in renewable energy research, technical due diligence, and student engagement.

The high-profile MoU was formally signed by Associate Prof. Dr. Biraj Singh Thapa, Registrar at Kathmandu University, and Prajesh Bikram Thapa, Chief Executive Officer of HIDCL.

Key Highlights of the KU-HIDCL Partnership

5-Year Strategic Framework: A long-term commitment to bridging academic expertise with industrial execution in the renewable energy sector.

Technical Due Diligence & Research: Joint initiatives to evaluate, plan, and execute modern sustainable energy projects.

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Student Engagement: Creating practical pathways for university students to gain hands-on industry exposure and contribute to national infrastructure goals.

Advancing Green Hydrogen in Nepal

Alongside the primary MoU, a supplementary Letter of Agreement was signed between the Academia Industry Cooperation Kathmandu University (AICKU) and HIDCL. This agreement outlines a dedicated preliminary feasibility study focusing on hydrogen production in Nepal.

The agreement was signed by Lakshman Lama, Coordinator of AICKU, and HIDCL CEO Prajesh Bikram Thapa.

This initiative builds upon growing national momentum in green energy innovation—spearheaded by platforms like KU’s Green Hydrogen Lab- aiming to tap into Nepal’s vast hydroelectric potential to pioneer alternative fuel solutions, cut carbon emissions, and secure a sustainable energy future.

Looking Ahead

By combining KU’s academic and research excellence with HIDCL’s investment and development capabilities, this collaboration marks a transformative milestone for Nepal’s green energy landscape.

The partnership promises to unlock new economic opportunities, foster domestic technological adaptation, and lay solid groundwork for commercial hydrogen applications in the region.

For more: Kathmandu University Partners HIDCL