The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Government of India has issued guidelines for implementing pilot projects using Green Hydrogen in the transport sector, announced by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on February 14, 2024. This initiative falls under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, reflecting India’s commitment to transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.
The focus is on harnessing the decreasing costs of renewable energy and electrolyzers, projecting that green hydrogen-based vehicles could become cost-competitive in the coming years. The scheme anticipates future economies of scale and technological advancements in hydrogen-powered vehicles, potentially enhancing the viability of green hydrogen in transport.
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, alongside other initiatives, the MNRE will oversee the implementation of pilot projects aimed at replacing fossil fuels in the transport sector with Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. These projects will be executed through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and designated Scheme Implementing Agencies (SIAs).
The scheme will facilitate the development of technologies for the use of Green Hydrogen as a fuel in buses, trucks, and 4-wheelers, focusing on both fuel cell-based and internal combustion engine-based propulsion technologies. Additionally, it will support the development of infrastructure, such as hydrogen refueling stations.
An innovative aspect of the scheme includes supporting the use of hydrogen for reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector, such as blending green hydrogen-based methanol/ethanol and other synthetic fuels in automobile fuels.
The scheme is backed by a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 496 Crores until the financial year 2025-26. It is expected to lead to the development of the necessary infrastructure, including refueling facilities and distribution networks, thereby establishing a Green Hydrogen ecosystem in the transport sector. With a projected decrease in Green Hydrogen production costs over time, its utilization in transport is anticipated to grow.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched on January 4, 2023, with an outlay of Rs. 19,744 crores until FY 2029-30, aligns with India’s goal of becoming Aatma Nirbhar (self-reliant) in clean energy. This mission is set to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the economy, reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports, and positioning India as a leader in Green Hydrogen technology and markets globally.