New Delhi, India (25 September 2023): In a momentous step towards a greener and more sustainable future, Union Minister Hardeep S Puri recently flagged off India's first Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus from Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This significant development underscores India's commitment to clean and green energy solutions, positioning the nation as a potential global hub for hydrogen production and export.
Embracing the Hydrogen Revolution
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the revolutionary nature of India's venture into clean and green energy. He echoed Prime Minister Modi's vision, stating that green hydrogen would not only drive green growth and create green jobs but also serve as a global exemplar for the transition to clean energy.
Puri highlighted Prime Minister Modi's announcement from the historic Red Fort in Delhi, where he unveiled plans for self-reliance in energy production. This vision involves a multifaceted approach, including electric mobility, a gas-based economy, and a focused mission on Green Hydrogen. Puri underscored the importance of this mission while addressing the gathering at the flag-off ceremony.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology: A Cleaner Choice
Explaining the technology behind the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus, Puri described how it utilizes hydrogen and air to generate electricity, powering the vehicle efficiently and quietly. Notably, the only by-product of this process is water, making it one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation. In stark contrast to conventional buses running on diesel and petrol, hydrogen-powered vehicles offer three times the energy density and emit no harmful emissions.
Puri also highlighted the swift charging capabilities of these buses, which can recharge in just a few minutes, providing a practical advantage over traditional fuel-powered vehicles.
India's Clean Energy Ambitions
Discussing the government's ambitious clean energy plans, Puri revealed that emerging fuels like hydrogen and biofuels are expected to account for a substantial portion of global incremental energy demand growth over the next two decades. With one of the world's largest synchronous grids and the achievement of 'One Nation-One Grid-One Frequency,' India is poised to become a global leader in hydrogen production and exports. The nation is well on its way to becoming a hub for green hydrogen production.
Collaborative Success
Puri commended the collaborative efforts between industry and government that have placed India on the global stage for cleaner technologies. He acknowledged the launch of the world's first BS 6 (Stage II) Electrified Flex Fuel vehicle prototype and the flagging off of the first two hydrogen fuel cell buses. The Petroleum Minister further revealed plans for an additional 15 such buses to operate on Delhi-NCR roads by the end of the year.
He recognized these hydrogen-powered buses as game-changers in the city's transportation landscape and praised IndianOil for its collaborative approach with Tata Motors in developing indigenous solutions for fuel cells and hydrogen infrastructure. Puri asserted that the success of this project could transform India from a net importer of fossil energy into a net exporter of clean hydrogen energy.
Green Hydrogen's Transformative Role
Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Labour and Employment, Rameshwar Teli, hailed the Green Hydrogen Mission as a pivotal step in establishing a green hydrogen ecosystem in India. He emphasized that hydrogen would play a crucial role in transitioning to a carbon-free economy and mitigating climate change.
Pankaj Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, applauded the introduction of the Green Hydrogen bus as a symbol of India's transition away from conventional fuels. He encouraged school children to embrace new green technologies and understand how these innovations would steer the country away from internal combustion engines.
IndianOil's Commitment to Sustainability
Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), S M Vaidya, emphasized that hydrogen had the potential to be a game-changer in India's quest to achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2070. He highlighted IndianOil's steadfast commitment to devising sustainable solutions for greening the mobility sector. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, 15 fuel cell buses will operate on specified routes in the Delhi NCR Region. These buses will accumulate a total of 3 lakh kilometers to assess the efficiency and sustainability of the entire value chain.
In conclusion, India's launch of the first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus signifies a major step towards a cleaner and more self-reliant energy future. The nation's commitment to green hydrogen production and its collaborative efforts with industry players showcase its dedication to cleaner technologies and a sustainable future. As India continues to make strides in clean energy, it positions itself as a global leader in the green hydrogen revolution.
(Source: Urban Transport News)
