Hydrogen Fuel Bus and car launched by NTPC

The National Thermal Power Corporation recently launched ten Hydrogen Fuel Cell based buses and 10 similar electric cars.

Highlights

The buses and cars were launched in New Delhi and Leh. Similar proposal is under implementation in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Other initiatives of NTPC

NTPC has been taking several such initiatives to provide e-mobility solution for public transport. This includes providing charging infrastructure and electric bus to state and city transport systems.

NTPC has so far commissioned 90 public charging stations in and around the city of Faridabad.

Why electric buses?

The initiative undertaken by NTPC to procure hydrogen fueled buses is to decarbonize transport system in the country.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell use chemical process to convert hydrogen rich fuel into electricity. The main advantage of fuel cells is that they need not be charged frequently. They produce electricity as long as the fuel is available

In a Hydrogen Fuel cell, the hydrogen is passed through the anode, oxygen is passed through cathode. At anode, the hydrogen molecules are split into protons and electrons. The protons hence formed pass through electrolyte membrane. This forces electron to pass into the circuit, generating electric current.

Benefits

The major benefits of hydrogen fuel cells include high efficiency, low to zero emissions, fuel flexibility, quiet operation, durability and energy security.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020