In a remarkable step towards a cleaner future for the nation’s capital, New Delhi witnessed a heartwarming event – the debut of its first-ever hydrogen-powered public transport buses.
This significant moment was marked by the gracious presence of Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who proudly waved off the trial run of these environmentally conscious vehicles.
The procurement of these cutting-edge hydrogen buses was made possible through a collaboration between the IndianOil Corporation, the nation’s largest oil refiner and fuel retailer, and Tata Motors.
This groundbreaking initiative is set to revolutionize the city’s public transport system, with the fleet set to expand to 15 hydrogen buses by year-end. Minister Puri, during the flag-off ceremony, announced that these environmentally conscious buses would initially operate in the national capital region without passengers. Plans are already in place to extend their service to routes in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh once the fleet’s size is increased.
To ensure these hydrogen buses run seamlessly, IndianOil has established a green hydrogen facility at its R&D center in Faridabad. This facility employs electrolysis, powered by electricity from renewable sources, to create 75 kg of green hydrogen by separating water molecules. These buses themselves are equipped with fuel cells based on polymer electrolyte membrane technology. They come with four tanks, capable of holding a total of 30 kg of hydrogen, and can be refilled in just 10-12 minutes, much like refueling conventional petrol or diesel vehicles. The dedicated team of senior executives proudly boasts an impressive range of 350 kilometers on a full load of hydrogen.
Hydrogen, especially the green variety, is being celebrated as the “fuel of the future.” This perspective is due to its ability to emit nothing but water vapor when used in fuel cells. IndianOil has gone a step further to reduce emissions by experimenting with H-CNG, a blend of hydrogen extracted from natural gas and compressed natural gas (CNG), to enhance combustion and minimize emissions.
Minister Puri conveyed the government’s unwavering commitment to clean and green energy, saying, “Our government has ambitious plans for clean and green energy. India has made significant strides towards low-carbon development through emerging fuels like hydrogen and biofuels. We are set to account for 25% of global incremental energy demand growth over the next two decades.”
It’s heartwarming to note that producing green hydrogen requires about 50 units of renewable power and 9 kg of deionized water for every kilogram of hydrogen generated. This sustainable approach resonates with India’s heartfelt commitment to eco-friendly energy solutions and a greener, more heartwarming future for all.
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