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Minister Puri Flags Off India’s 1st Green Hydrogen Bus

Priti Palit

1st Green Hydrogen Bus

Green Hydrogen Bus: Against the historic backdrop of Delhi’s Red Fort, the Prime Minister of India unveiled a visionary plan poised to reshape the nation’s energy landscape. The Prime Minister’s vision extends beyond green hydrogen; it encompasses green growth, job creation, and serves as a global exemplar for transitioning to clean energy. With the backing of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, this initiative charts a course toward energy self-sufficiency, combining electric mobility, a gas-based economy, and a mission-driven approach to green hydrogen. Let’s explore this groundbreaking endeavor in detail.

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The Debut of Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses

At New Delhi’s Kartavya Path, the Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, marked a momentous occasion by flagging off the inaugural Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus. This event drew attendees from various sectors, including dignitaries, schoolchildren, officials, and the media. During his address, Shri Puri illuminated the concept of hydrogen and elucidated its potential as the fuel of the future. He underscored the environmental benefits of hydrogen, emphasizing that it generates electricity to power the bus, with the sole by-product being water. This cutting-edge technology promises a cleaner and more efficient mode of transportation when compared to conventional diesel and petrol-powered buses.

The Advantages of Hydrogen

Shri Puri underscored the merits of hydrogen as a fuel source. Hydrogen boasts an energy density three times greater than conventional fuels and produces no detrimental emissions. Furthermore, hydrogen fuel cell buses can achieve full charge within minutes, rendering them a pragmatic choice for mass transit systems.

The Government’s Ambitious Blueprint

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri outlined the government’s audacious plans for clean and green energy. Hydrogen, along with biofuels, is projected to account for a quarter of global incremental energy demand growth over the next two decades. India, with one of the world’s largest synchronized grids, aspires to become a global front-runner in hydrogen production and exports, positioning itself as a hub for green hydrogen.

A Symbiotic Partnership for Cleaner Technologies

The synergy between industry and the government is pivotal in positioning India as a global hub for cleaner technologies and achieving energy self-reliance. In addition to the green hydrogen bus initiative, India recently unveiled the world’s first BS 6 (Stage II) Electrified Flex Fuel vehicle prototype, amalgamating a flex fuel engine with an electric powertrain. This innovative approach aims to optimize ethanol utilization while enhancing fuel efficiency.

A Transformational Odyssey

Shri Rameshwar Teli, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Labour and Employment, accentuated the steady progress of India’s Green Hydrogen Mission. Hydrogen is poised to play a pivotal role in the transition to a carbon-neutral economy and the mitigation of climate change. The launch of green hydrogen-powered buses underlines India’s commitment to becoming a cleaner and more eco-friendly nation.

Shaping the Future of Mobility

Pankaj Jain, Secretary of MoP&NG, underscored the significance of this moment in India’s technological and mobility evolution. The launch of green hydrogen buses symbolizes a departure from conventional fuels and internal combustion engines. He encouraged young students to nurture their curiosity about these emerging green technologies and their role in shaping India’s future.

IndianOil’s Vanguard Role

S.M. Vaidya, Chairman of IndianOil, acknowledged that hydrogen is poised to be a game-changer in India’s pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2070. IndianOil, in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision for the National Green Hydrogen Mission, is taking momentous strides in developing sustainable solutions for greening the mobility sector. Under this initiative, 15 fuel cell buses will soon ply specific routes in the Delhi NCR Region, covering a cumulative distance of 3 lakh kilometers to demonstrate the efficacy, efficiency, and sustainability of the entire value chain.

Conclusion: Green Hydrogen Bus

India’s voyage towards a cleaner and more sustainable future is gaining momentum with the launch of green hydrogen-powered buses and innovative solutions for sustainable mobility. The government’s unwavering commitment to green hydrogen not only sets a global precedent but also propels India toward energy self-sufficiency. Through the collaborative efforts of industry and government, India is on the cusp of becoming a global leader in clean hydrogen energy, contributing to a future that is both sustainable and environmentally responsible.

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