Que: Kindly shed some light on your journey so far with Universal Hydrogen.

Ans: I joined Universal Hydrogen in October last year as Director of Operations Development to spearhead the company's entry into India, one of the largest potential markets for its hydrogen value chain business.

My role involves engaging with hydrogen project developers in India, sourcing economically viable offtake, fostering strategic alliances across the value chain, and facilitating government regulatory interactions as Universal Hydrogen enters the Indian market. Additionally, I actively contribute to global business development initiatives in collaboration with our commercial team. The company is swiftly executing its strategic agenda for India.

My journey, thus far, has been exhilarating. While the transition from the realm of clean energy to the forefront of green hydrogen was a seamless progression for me, this role presents an invaluable learning opportunity for the emerging global green hydrogen economy, aviation dynamics, and the pivotal role of hydrogen in decarbonising the global aviation sector.

The sector is still nascent, witnessing a surge of innovations in the production and application of green hydrogen, thereby ensuring continuous learning experiences. Our accomplishments in recent months include the successful launch and demonstration of a fuel cell charger for airport ground operations, alongside a milestone test run utilising liquid hydrogen in California, USA. As the company gears up for its commercial launch phase this year, my role is poised to evolve further, particularly concerning the end-to-end logistics and supply chain within the aviation hydrogen ecosystem.

Que: Tell us about Universal Hydrogen’s key products and what differentiates your solutions from its competitors.

Ans: Headquartered in California, Universal Hydrogen is revolutionising commercial aviation with its end-to-end fuel logistics solutions, propelling hydrogen-powered flights to a near-term reality. At the core of our mission lies a commitment to decarbonising the aviation industry, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement.

We boast two primary products, each designed to catalyse this transition:
• Our conversion kit for existing regional aircraft represents a breakthrough in aviation technology. This innovative system replaces conventional turboprop engines with a hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain. Complementing this, our proprietary modular hydrogen capsules seamlessly integrate into aircraft via existing cargo handling infrastructure. By 2026, we aim to achieve zero-emissions passenger service, marking a significant milestone in sustainable air travel.

• In parallel, our fuel cell charger for ground support equipment at airports underscores our commitment to holistic sustainability in aviation. Successfully demonstrated in Los Angeles, California, this ground-breaking product is slated for commercial deployment by the year's end.

With burgeoning interest from airlines, airports, and ground operators, Universal Hydrogen has amassed an impressive order book exceeding USD 3 billion for conversion and fuel services. Our unique value proposition lies in our unparalleled product offerings – a pioneering hydrogen powertrain solutions tailored for 40-70-seater aircraft alongside our innovative ground charger.

Que: How are your solutions revolutionising the aviation sector and do you offer customised solutions as per your client’s demand?

Ans: The aviation sector stands as one of the swiftest amplifiers of emissions, currently contributing to approximately 2.5 percent of global CO2 emissions. Yet, this impact escalates manifold, considering the myriad of non-CO2 emissions it generates. With the surge in cargo and passenger flights, projections suggest a staggering 50-60 percent surge in aviation-related CO2 emissions by 2050.

Furthermore, aviation presents a formidable challenge in achieving net-zero emissions, lacking readily available solutions. While sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) emerges as an option, it grapples with formidable hurdles such as exorbitant production costs, uncertainties regarding feedstock sustainability, and the persistence of non-CO2 emissions. The limitations of battery-powered aircraft, constrained by the weight of batteries, hinder their commercial scalability for long-distance operations. A hydrogen fuel cell powertrain emerges as the most viable for transitioning aviation towards net-zero emissions and our company aims to lead this transition.

At Universal Hydrogen, we are pioneering a flexible, scalable, and capital-efficient model for hydrogen logistics by transporting it in modular capsules over existing freight networks from production sites to airports worldwide. This modular framework obviates the need for additional airport infrastructure investment, rendering every airport poised for hydrogen adoption while solidifying our standing as a leader within the industry.

Que: Any key expansion plans or upcoming projects, the company is currently working on?

Ans: In response to pressing customer demands for sustainable solutions, we are presently advancing our fuel cell charger product aimed at decarbonising airport ground operations, capitalising on our company's innovative modular hydrogen fueling technology. The operational validation of our prototype has already been accomplished, with plans for commercial deployment by year's end in California. Subsequently, we intend to roll out this ground-breaking solution across multiple airports in the United States and Europe, paving the way for the acceptance of hydrogen as a viable aviation fuel.

Moreover, our team is diligently working on a 2 MW hydrogen powertrain for aircraft, following the triumphant execution of test flights utilising a 1 MW powertrain powered by gaseous hydrogen. Notably, the company has conducted rigorous ground testing of the powertrain employing a proprietary liquid hydrogen module, positioning us on the trajectory toward passenger service slated for 2026.

Que: Sustainability has become the key anthem of every business. What’s your take on this and how do you foresee the scope of net carbon neutrality initiatives in the upcoming days?

Ans: Climate change has emerged as the paramount existential threat to humanity and our planet since its evolution. What's urgently required are leaders who not only champion environmental advocacy but also possess the courage to enact stringent measures fostering sustainability at its very core. Any sustainable solution must demonstrate cost-competitiveness to facilitate widespread adoption, particularly in burgeoning economies such as India, and therefore, technological & commercial innovations hold the key. A holistic approach is needed, with seamless collaboration among all stakeholders - government entities, private enterprises, and the public. Ultimately, sustainability must transcend mere rhetoric to become the core tenet of decision-making.

As we scrutinise an organisation's environmental footprint, achieving net carbon neutrality necessitates a broader scope. Emissions must encompass both direct (scope 1) and indirect (scope 2 and 3) sources. Furthermore, mere carbon neutrality or offsetting is insufficient; organisations should strive for net zero initiatives, signifying no greenhouse gas emissions altogether.

Que: What key milestones or experiences have defined your journey in the industry so far, and how have they contributed to your growth as a company director?

Ans: With over a decade of experience in sustainable infrastructure development, encompassing diverse segments such as clean energy, water, and waste, I have navigated multifaceted roles spanning investments, M&A, corporate development, establishment of new business verticals, and P&L oversight. Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to engage with various facets of the energy transition, working with clean energy developers, private equity investors, and organisations facilitating clean energy delivery to end consumers.

My tenure in the sector has afforded me a first-hand view of the remarkable transformation wherein the cost of renewable energy has plummeted by over 80 percent in the past decade. This steep decline, catalysed by policy reinforcement, innovation, and economies of scale, instills in me the firm belief that despite the present high cost of green hydrogen, with concerted policy interventions and incentivisation, it can follow a similar trajectory and reach parity with grey hydrogen within 5-7 years.

Drawing upon my diversified expertise from past endeavours, I am confident in taking on the challenging task of setting up the Universal Hydrogen business in India. While widespread adoption of hydrogen in aviation may still be on the horizon, I am steadfast that we are well-positioned to spearhead this transition and emerge as leaders in this sector.