Singh wants forward-thinking decarbonization roadmap
Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh, has called for a concerted series of trials for identifying the potential of green hydrogen in transport sector for setting up a decarbonization roadmap.
Advocating the use of Green Hydrogen in pilot projects, he underlined the urgent need for a comprehensive comparison of technology and cost, between hydrogen-powered vehicles and battery-electric vehicles, particularly in heavy-duty applications.
Emphasizing the significance of well-informed decisions, the Minister urged the development of a forward-thinking roadmap for the transport sector.
“This roadmap should include details of pilot projects, technological advancements, and the potential for cost reduction through localized manufacturing and scaling processes,” said Singh at a meeting with government and industry stakeholders from the transport sector New Delhi on 25 Jan 2024.
The primary focus of the meeting was on the pilot projects in transport sector, falling under the ambit of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The Ministry official and representatives from the transport sector including hydrogen dispensing entities, storage and transport agencies, component manufacturers, testing agencies and standard making bodies attended the meeting.
Singh underscored the government’s commitment to energy transition and India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) commitment to reduce emissions intensity.
He highlighted the pivotal role of the transport sector in achieving NDC targets and underscored the potential of Green Hydrogen in heavy-duty mobility applications, such as trucks and buses which deploy both fuel cell and internal combustion engine technologies.
The Minister emphasized the development of indigenous technology for integrating Hydrogen into the transport sector. The ongoing trials of hydrogen-powered vehicles, including H2 ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) trucks and H2 fuel cell buses, were discussed, with a focus on channelling funds effectively to expedite pilot projects.
Industry representatives expressed concerns about challenges related to the higher cost of green hydrogen, fuel cells, and hydrogen storage cylinders.
Singh assured the industry that costs will naturally come down, with progress in scaling up and development of indigenous manufacturing.
The participants also discussed the use of hydrogen in cars, 3-wheelers and 2-wheelers.
He called for concerted efforts for market development and identification of areas requiring further development.
Singh affirmed that, if necessary, the government would be ready to allocate additional funds beyond the already-earmarked Rs.496 crores for the transport sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Fiinews.com
