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RK Singh Chairs Meeting on Green Hydrogen's Role in Transport Sector

Singh called for a series of trials to identify the potential of green hydrogen in the transport sector, aiming to formulate a national roadmap for sectoral decarbonization.

January 29, 2024. By Abha Rustagi

The Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh, led a significant meeting in New Delhi addressing key government and industry stakeholders from the transport sector.

The focus of the discussions centered on pilot projects within the National Green Hydrogen Mission, involving officials from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, as well as representatives from various sectors such as hydrogen dispensing entities, storage and transport agencies, component manufacturers, testing agencies, and standard-making bodies.

In his address, the Union Minister emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to energy transition and India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) commitment to reduce emissions intensity. Singh highlighted the crucial role of the transport sector in achieving NDC targets, specifically emphasizing the potential of Green Hydrogen in heavy-duty mobility applications like trucks and buses, employing both fuel cell and internal combustion engine technologies.

Singh called for a series of trials to identify the potential of green hydrogen in the transport sector, aiming to formulate a national roadmap for sectoral decarbonization. He urged a comprehensive comparison of technology and cost between hydrogen-powered vehicles and battery-electric vehicles, especially in heavy-duty applications, emphasizing well-informed decision-making. The Minister stressed the importance of developing indigenous technology for integrating hydrogen into the transport sector.

During the meeting, ongoing trials of hydrogen-powered vehicles, including H2 ICE trucks and H2 fuel cell buses, were discussed, with a focus on effective fund allocation to expedite pilot projects. Industry representatives expressed concerns about challenges related to the higher cost of green hydrogen, fuel cells, and hydrogen storage cylinders. The Union Minister assured the industry that costs would naturally decrease with progress in scaling up and the development of indigenous manufacturing.

Participants also discussed the use of hydrogen in cars, 3-wheelers, and 2-wheelers. The Minister urged concerted efforts for market development and the identification of areas requiring further development. Shri Singh affirmed the government's readiness to allocate additional funds, beyond the already earmarked Rs. 496 crores for the transport sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission if necessary.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing hydrogen-powered vehicles and fostering sustainable solutions in the transport sector, aligning with India's NDC targets.

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Policies & Regulations

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

MNRE

Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy

National Green Hydrogen Mission

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

Energy transition