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India Gets Its First Green Hydrogen-Run Bus That Emits Just Water

On September 25, 2023, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) achieved a significant milestone in India’s transition to clean energy by unveiling the nation’s first green hydrogen-powered bus. This groundbreaking initiative marks a crucial step towards reducing the nation’s dependency on fossil fuels while promoting eco-friendly transportation alternatives.

The Green Hydrogen Revolution

IOC is leading the charge in harnessing the power of green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable sources. This green hydrogen will be utilized to fuel two buses, which are slated for trial runs in the national capital region.

Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, during the ceremonial flag-off of these innovative buses, emphasized that hydrogen is set to become India’s transitional fuel, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. The IOC’s Research and Development Center in Faridabad is spearheading the production of green hydrogen for the initial pilot run.

Hydrogen: A Clean and Efficient Energy Source

Green hydrogen is gaining prominence as an eco-friendly energy source with several advantages over traditional fossil fuels. When burned, hydrogen emits only water vapor as a by-product, making it a clean and environmentally friendly choice. Furthermore, it boasts three times the energy density of conventional fuels, offering enhanced efficiency for various applications.

Producing green hydrogen is a resource-intensive process, requiring approximately 50 units of renewable electricity and 9 kg of deionized water to generate one kilogram of this clean fuel. However, the benefits it offers in terms of sustainability and reduced emissions make it a compelling choice for India’s energy transition.

A Promising Future

Oil Minister Puri outlined IOC’s ambitious plans, aiming to scale up the number of green hydrogen-powered buses to 15 by the end of 2023. These buses will undergo operational trials on designated routes in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to low-carbon development and emerging clean energy technologies.

India’s extensive synchronous grid infrastructure, capable of managing intermittent renewable energy sources, positions the nation as a global leader in hydrogen production and export. With the combination of low-cost solar energy, a robust grid, substantial demand, and engineering expertise, India is poised to emerge as a hub for green hydrogen production.

Meeting Decarbonization Targets

Hydrogen is hailed as the fuel of the future and holds immense potential in aiding India’s decarbonization efforts. Globally, the demand for hydrogen is expected to surge, with estimates ranging from four to seven times current levels, reaching 500-800 tonnes by 2050. Domestically, India’s demand for hydrogen is projected to quadruple, from the current 6 tonnes to 25-28 tonnes by 2050.

Oil and gas public sector units (PSUs) have committed to producing approximately 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. This ambitious goal reflects India’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing sustainable energy solutions.

Transforming Transportation and Energy

In closing, Minister Puri emphasized that the green hydrogen-powered bus project has the potential to revolutionize urban transportation in India. This groundbreaking initiative has garnered the attention of not only the nation but also the world, positioning India to shift from being a net importer of fossil energy to a net exporter of clean hydrogen energy. Furthermore, India is poised to provide global leadership in technology transfer while becoming a significant green hydrogen producer and supplier of manufacturing parts.

The successful deployment of green hydrogen-powered buses represents a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards a sustainable and environmentally responsible future, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to clean energy and innovation.