Minister Hardeep Singh Puri unveils first green hydrogen fuel cell bus
- In Reports
- 01:36 PM, Sep 25, 2023
- Myind Staff
Taking a momentous step towards eco-friendly transportation, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, unveils India's inaugural green hydrogen fuel cell bus at Kartavya Path in Delhi. This marks the commencement of Indian Oil's initiative to conduct operational trials of 15 fuel cell buses powered by green hydrogen, operating along specified routes in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The project begins with the introduction of the first two fuel cell buses at India Gate.
This pioneering project holds a significant place in India as it introduces green hydrogen at a pressure of 350 bar for fuel cell bus operation. Additionally, Indian Oil has established a refueling facility at its R&D campus in Faridabad, designed to refill green hydrogen produced through the process of electrolysis using solar PV panels.
This momentous occasion unfolds within the context of the immense potential of Green Hydrogen, a product of renewable energy sources, which holds the key to India's pursuit of a low-carbon and self-sufficient economic trajectory. It taps into the nation's rich reservoir of domestic renewable energy resources, presenting a versatile solution that spans fuel applications and critical industrial processes, including petroleum refining, steel manufacturing, and fertilizer production.
Fuel cell technology, reliant on hydrogen as its primary fuel, is increasingly recognized as a fundamental component within the realm of e-mobility solutions. In this process, hydrogen and oxygen engage in an electrochemical reaction, yielding water and releasing electrical energy. Fuel cells stand out for their remarkable efficiency, extended travel ranges, and expedited refueling times when compared to their battery-powered counterparts.
Underlining this transformative stride, IndianOil has embarked on a pioneering initiative to test 15 Fuel Cell buses powered by Green Hydrogen along designated routes in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This ambitious program commences with the inaugural journey of the first two buses, commencing from India Gate.
This remarkable endeavour signifies India's inaugural foray into the deployment of green hydrogen for fuel cell bus operations, impressively dispensed at a pressure of 350 bar. To complement this effort, IndianOil has established a state-of-the-art refueling facility at its R&D campus in Faridabad, equipped to facilitate the refueling of green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis driven by solar PV panels.
Following the launch of these initial two buses, a comprehensive road test encompassing a distance exceeding 3 lakh kilometers will be executed across the entire fleet. This extensive evaluation aims to gauge the long-term viability and resilience of this groundbreaking technology. The insights derived from this exhaustive trial will serve as a valuable repository of knowledge, poised to inform and mold India's future in green hydrogen-based zero-emission mobility.
Image source: Amar Ujala
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