Guidelines for Green Hydrogen Use in Transport sector

The Indian Government has come out with guidelines for undertaking pilot projects for using Green Hydrogen in the transport sector. The Guidelines have been issued by the New and Renewable Energy Ministry under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

The detailed guidelines were for undertaking pilot projects across different vehicle segments like cars, buses and trucks using green hydrogen fuel cell technologies, storage infrastructure and refueling protocols.

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources like solar or wind. As it is generated without any greenhouse gas emissions, green hydrogen is considered an ideal zero pollution future fuel.
In 2023, the Centre launched its ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission to boost the production, utilisation and export of green hydrogen. The mission, which also targets a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes per annum by 2030 and 60-100 GW electrolyser installations, with a budgetary outlay of Rs 19,744 crores till 2029-2030.

Significance of Pilot Projects

The pilot guidelines will enable testing technical and commercial viability of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in Indian conditions across applications like public transportation, commercial freight and private mobility. Effective pilots can catalyze widespread adoption.

Coverage of Vehicle Segments

Separate projects have been earmarked for 4-wheelers, buses, LCV (Light commercial vehicles), 3-wheelers and 2-wheelers to rigorously evaluate performance parameters considering different transportation priorities.

Capping Pilot Costs

Up to Rs. 55 lakhs support per pilot from the National Green Hydrogen Mission covers incremental costs of green hydrogen vehicles over conventional diesel or CNG variants. This takes care of capital costs during year-long trials.

Infrastructure Requirements Outlined

Locations for projects near renewable energy plants have been preferred as guidelines outline required hydrogen production using electrolyzers, pressurized storage in cylinders and refueling station specifications for robust testing.

Monitoring and Results Analysis

Nodal agencies shortlisted for green hydrogen will coordinate with Original Equipment Manufacturers on pilots by collating usage stats, maintenance feedback and other technical data to analyze operational feasibility.

Other features

• Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, along with other initiatives, the Ministry will implement pilot projects for replacing fossil fuels in the transport sector with Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
• These pilot projects will be implemented through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Scheme Implementing Agencies nominated under this Scheme.
• The scheme will support development of technologies for use of Green Hydrogen as a fuel in Buses, Trucks and four-wheelers.
• The other thrust area for the scheme is to support development of infrastructure such as hydrogen refuelling stations.