Nepal and South Korea Partner on Groundbreaking Green Hydrogen Project
29th August 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant move set to redefine Nepal’s energy landscape, the Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has officially partnered with a leading South Korean firm, G-Philos Company Ltd., to explore the feasibility of establishing a green hydrogen plant and fuel cell in the country.
Nepal Green Hydrogen Plant Study
This collaboration underscores Nepal’s commitment to harnessing its immense renewable energy potential and transitioning toward a sustainable, clean energy future.
The agreement, which was signed on Thursday, mandates G-Philos to prepare a detailed feasibility study report within the next 10 months. This crucial document will outline the technical, financial, and environmental viability of the project, laying the groundwork for what could be a landmark development in Nepal’s clean energy sector.
The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Sushil Gyawali, CEO of the Investment Board, and Ga Woo Park, CEO of G-Philos Company Ltd.
This partnership is a direct result of a proposal submitted by G-Philos to the IBN on Baisakh 15, which outlined a plan to establish, develop, and operate a green hydrogen and fuel cell plant in Nepal under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Following a thorough review, the proposal was approved during the 63rd Board meeting of the Investment Board, paving the way for the current agreement and survey permit.
A Milestone for Nepal’s Sustainable Development
The signing of this agreement was hailed as a milestone for Nepal’s sustainable development goals. Park Tae Young, the South Korean Ambassador to Nepal, emphasized Nepal’s vast potential for renewable clean energy, stating that projects like this will be instrumental in helping the nation achieve its long-term environmental and developmental objectives.
The event served as a platform for rich discussions among influential figures in Nepal’s energy sector. Attendees included Ram Prasad Dhital, Chairman of the Electricity Regulatory Commission; Jibch Mandal, Director General of the Department of Electricity Development; and Hitendra Dev Shakya, Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority.
They shared valuable insights on Nepal’s existing policy and legal frameworks concerning green hydrogen, its multifaceted benefits, and the promising future prospects for its use within the country.
Academia’s role in this transition was also highlighted. Biraj Singh Thapa, a researcher from Kathmandu University specializing in green hydrogen, contributed to the discussion, stressing the importance of combining practical application with scholarly research.
CEO Gyawali of the IBN echoed this sentiment, underscoring that academia would play a vital role in such projects and emphasizing the importance of capital and technology exchange in a developing country like Nepal.
The Road Ahead: From Study to Implementation
The feasibility study is the first, yet most critical, step toward realizing this ambitious project. Green hydrogen, produced by using renewable energy to electrolyze water, has emerged as a promising clean energy carrier.
Nepal, with its abundant hydropower resources, is uniquely positioned to become a leader in this field. The establishment of a green hydrogen plant could not only support domestic energy needs but also create opportunities for export and technological innovation.
CEO Gyawali expressed optimism about the project’s future, stating that once the study is complete, the process of establishing a green hydrogen plant in Nepal will move forward as soon as possible.
This commitment from the Investment Board signals a strong political will to embrace new, sustainable technologies.
This partnership with G-Philos Company is more than just a business deal; it is a symbol of international collaboration and a bold step toward a self-sufficient, green energy future for Nepal.
The world is watching as this Himalayan nation leverages its natural assets to build a cleaner, more prosperous tomorrow. The successful implementation of this project could set a global precedent for how developing nations can effectively utilize their renewable resources to achieve sustainable growth.
For more: Nepal Green Hydrogen Plant Study
