Page 31 - Insurance Times May 2024

to overcoming obstacles and maximizing the potential of
fuel cell technology. With collective efforts and strategic
investments, fuel cells can become integral to India's energy
strategy, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for
generations to come. Hailed as the fuel of the future,
Hydrogen holds immense potential in helping India achieve
its decarbonization targets.

The global demand for hydrogen is projected to surge four
to seven times by 2050, reaching 500-800 million tonnes.
Domestically, demand is set to quadruple, from the current
6 million tonnes to 25-28 million tonnes by 2050. The green
hydrogen-powered buses emits just water and will
eventually undertake a pilot run across identified routes in
indigenous development also align with India's goals of Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The Indian Oil
fostering a robust ecosystem for advanced technologies Corporation's R&D Centre at Faridabad is producing green
in the energy and transportation sectors. hydrogen for the trials. This facility can refuel green
hydrogen produced through electrolysis using solar
5. Infrastructure Development: One of the challenges in photovoltaic panels.
scaling up hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is the need for a
supportive infrastructure, including hydrogen refueling The buses have been equipped with four cylinders that have
stations. Initiatives are underway in India to develop a capacity of 30 kg and can run the buses for 350 km. Re-
such infrastructure, with pilot projects and fuelling time has also been cut down and it will now take 0-
collaborations between government agencies, private 12 minutes for the four tanks to fill. Green hydrogen is 100%
companies, and research institutions. As infrastructure sustainable and does not emit polluting gases during
expands, it will encourage more consumers and combustion or production. The Ministry of Petroleum and
businesses to adopt hydrogen-powered vehicles. Natural Gas is actively driving initiatives related to green
hydrogen, including production and utilization in refineries,
6. Policy Support: Government policies and incentives hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines, localization of
play a crucial role in shaping the adoption of green electrolyzer-based technologies, and promoting bio-
technologies. In India, various policies and initiatives pathways for green hydrogen production.
promote clean energy solutions, including subsidies, tax
incentives, and regulatory frameworks to encourage the With the launch of the world’s first Bharat Stage 6 (Stage
development and deployment of fuel cell vehicles and II) Electrified Flex Fuel vehicle prototype that encompasses
related infrastructure. both the flex fuel engine as well as an electric powertrain
that offers higher use of ethanol combined with better fuel
efficiencies. With Industry and Government collaboration,
Overall, fuel cells are playing a transformative role in the
Indian automobile industry by driving sustainable mobility India is on its way to becoming a global hub for cleaner
solutions, reducing dependence on petro products, and technologies and achieving self-reliance in energy soon.
contributing to India's broader clean energy goals. As
technology advances and supportive ecosystems evolve, fuel About the Authors
cell vehicles are expected to play an increasingly prominent Dr. Jay Pandey, PhD-IIT, Delhi and is currently associated
role in shaping the future of transportation in India. as Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical
Engineering, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus.
Conclusion: Mr. Tinku Sharma, Project Associate and is currently
associated as Research Scholar, Department of Chemical
Fuel cell technology offers India a sustainable solution to its
energy and environmental challenges. By investing in Engineering, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus.
research, development, and utilization of fuel cell systems, Mr. Rajat Mehrotra, Financial and Tax Advisor and Stock
India can expedite its transition to a cleaner, greener, and Market Expert and is currently associated with the
more resilient energy future. Collaboration among Department of Management-BITS Pilani as a Research
policymakers, businesses, and research centers is essential Scholar.

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