Green Hydrogen pilot projects by NTPC and IOCL
India is a country that is rapidly developing, with a growing demand for energy to support its economic growth. The use of green hydrogen as a fuel is a promising solution for meeting this demand while reducing the country’s carbon footprint. Green hydrogen is produced from renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, or hydro, and can be used in various sectors including transportation, industry, and power generation.
The Indian government is taking steps towards the adoption of green hydrogen through pilot demonstration projects. Indian Oil, a government-led public sector undertaking (PSU), is leading the charge by planning to set up India’s first green hydrogen unit at the Mathura refinery in Uttar Pradesh. The plant will use low-cost wind power from Rajasthan to produce green hydrogen, which will then be used to process crude oil.
In addition, Indian Oil has been conducting a pilot using hythane (H-CNG), a blend of compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen. The pilot involved retrofitting 50 CNG buses to test the feasibility of H-CNG-powered vehicles and their impact on emissions and fuel economy. The results showed that H-CNG could significantly reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.
Another government-run PSU, NTPC, has recently set up a tender to establish a first-of-its-kind hydrogen refuelling station to be powered entirely by renewables in Leh through a stand-alone 1.25 MW solar system. This project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of producing and using green hydrogen in remote areas where traditional fuels are not readily available.
Other companies are also getting involved in the green hydrogen revolution in India. Tata Motors, an Indian multinational automotive manufacturing company, has announced its plans to develop fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for commercial use in the country. The company is partnering with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop FCEVs using technology developed for the space program.
The adoption of green hydrogen in India is still in its early stages, and there are challenges to be overcome, including the high cost of production and the lack of infrastructure. However, the government and various companies are taking the first steps towards a green hydrogen future. With the development of new technologies, economies of scale, and innovative financing and business models, green hydrogen could become a cost-effective and viable solution for meeting India’s growing energy demand while reducing its carbon footprint.
India’s adoption of green hydrogen through pilot demonstration projects is a promising sign of the country’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning towards a sustainable future. As the world looks for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, India’s efforts in this field could have a significant impact, not only for the country but for the world as a whole.